Papa wa Roma: Wetang’ula meets Pope Leo XIV during Papal Audience at the Vatican
By Valerian Khakayi, August 27, 2026National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has attended a Papal Audience at the Vatican, where he joined faithful from different parts of the world in an encounter led by Pope Leo XIV.
Wetang’ula shared details of his Vatican visit in a statement, describing the occasion as a moment of reflection, fellowship and goodwill.
He said the gathering provided an opportunity to receive Pope Leo XIV’s message centred on peace, hope and service to humanity.
“Attended the Papal Audience at the Vatican, led by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Wetang’ula said.
“This was a moment of reflection, fellowship and goodwill as we joined faithful from across the world to receive the Holy Father’s message of peace, hope and service to humanity,” he added.
Other leaders present
Wetang’ula said he attended the Papal Audience alongside several Kenyan leaders and a diplomatic representative.
Among those who accompanied him were Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, John Bwire, Lydia Haika, Katana Kahindi and Paul Abuor.
He was also accompanied by Ambassador Rose Sumbeiywo, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Rome.
The delegation joined other faithful gathered at the Vatican for the audience with the Pope.
What is a papal audience?
A papal audience is a gathering where the Pope meets with groups of pilgrims, visitors, religious communities, organisations or individuals at the Vatican.
The audience can take different forms depending on the occasion. One of the best-known is the General Audience, usually held on Wednesdays, where the Pope addresses pilgrims and visitors gathered in Vatican City.
During such occasions, the Pope may deliver a reflection or catechesis, lead prayers and greet people attending the gathering.
A papal audience should not be confused with a private meeting between the Pope and an individual. A general or public audience normally involves many people from different countries who have travelled to the Vatican.
The word audience in this context therefore refers to an organised encounter with the Pope rather than simply watching or listening to him.
Wetang’ula meets Augustinian priest
On the sidelines of the Vatican gathering, Wetang’ula also said he had an opportunity to interact with Father James Wambugu of the Order of Saint Augustine.
He described the encounter as a warm moment of fellowship and reflection.
“On the sidelines of the Papal Audience at the Vatican, I had the privilege of interacting with Fr James Wambugu, Order of Saint Augustine, in a warm moment of fellowship and reflection,” Wetang’ula said.
The Order of Saint Augustine, commonly known as the Augustinians, is a Catholic religious order whose members follow the spiritual tradition of St Augustine of Hippo.
Wetang’ula said his interaction with the priest reinforced the importance of human connections and service.
“Our encounter was a reminder that humanity is strengthened by the bonds we build, the people we welcome, and the spirit of service we extend to one another,” he said.