“It is never to late to convert! Never! Up until the last moment: The patience of God who waits for us.”
Pope Francis recounted the story from St. Therese of Lisieux, who prayed for the conversion of a criminal who had been condemned to death, and had refused interventions from the priest. It was not until his final moment that he took the Crucifix held by the priest and kissed it.

Pope Francis describes himself as “a sinner” in need of God’s mercy, in an upcoming book where he also urges the Catholic Church to focus on its mission as a grassroots, hands-on organisation.

They came through the narrow and muddy streets in the rain long before dawn, intent on seeing Pope Francis as he came to their church in the Kenyan slum of Kangemi.

Pope Francis lashed out at wealthy minorities who hoard resources at the expense of the poor as he visited a crowded Nairobi slum on Friday, wrapping up the first-leg of a three nation tour.

Huge crowds braved heavy rains they hailed as “God’s blessing” on Thursday to take part in Pope Francis’ first open-air mass in Africa, singing and dancing in the centre of the Kenyan capital.