Westlands MP Hon. Tim Wanyonyi was among the Kenyan delegation attending the 15th International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) meeting in Rome, Italy. The event, which brought together Catholic lawmakers from around the world, provided a platform for discussing global challenges through the lens of faith-based leadership.
The Kenyan delegation, led by Speaker Moses Wetangula, had the honor of a private audience with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace. During the meeting, Pope Francis delivered a powerful message condemning war and violence, calling the heart of war an “abyss of evil.” He urged Catholic politicians to reject war as a means of resolving conflicts and instead to foster fraternity, justice, and peace.
“Our consciences cannot fail to be moved by the scenes of death and destruction daily before our eyes,” the Pope said, referring to the numerous violent conflicts occurring across the globe. He emphasized the need to hear the cry of the poor and the marginalized, urging legislators to choose peace by all possible means.
The ICLN meeting, held from August 22-25 in Rome and Frascati, focused on the theme “The World at War: Permanent Crises and Conflicts — What Does It Mean for Us?” The network aims to support Christian public officials in exercising virtuous and effective leadership that respects the dignity of every human being. St. Thomas More is the patron saint of the group, which upholds the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church in political life. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, the archbishop of Vienna, serves as an honorary patron.
During their pilgrimage, the Kenyan delegation also participated in engagements hosted by Cardinal Schönborn and celebrated Holy Mass at the Chapel of the Choir in St. Peter’s Basilica. These moments of reflection and spiritual renewal underscored the significance of their mission as Catholic legislators.
Pope Francis, quoting from his 2020 encyclical Fratelli Tutti, reminded the assembly that “War is a failure of politics and of humanity, a shameful capitulation, a stinging defeat before the forces of evil.” He lamented the blurring lines between military and civilian targets and the enormous destructive capacity of modern weapons, warning that the ongoing crisis resembles “a third world war fought piecemeal.”
The pontiff called on Catholic legislators to be witnesses of hope in a world weary of conflict, particularly for the younger generation. “May your commitment to the common good, buoyed by trust in Christ’s promises, serve as an example for our young people,” he said, stressing the importance of providing models of hope and idealism.
Hon. Tim Wanyonyi expressed his deep appreciation for the Pope’s words, noting the importance of integrating faith into leadership, especially in times of global turmoil. The ICLN meeting served as a crucial reminder of the responsibilities that come with public service and the impact of decisions made by those in positions of power.