"I do this within a Church which, without any pretense of perfection, shares those values of inclusivity that I always hoped would be reached also within the Catholic Church."

"In my new Church, I've discovered a community in which ecclesiastical leaders can be seen not as authority figures but as friends, and that's an invaluable gift," he wrote.

The work of a person who is a witness is to establish the truth beyond a reasonable doubt. May all of us continue to be strong witnesses of the God who has revealed Himself in the holy scriptures. John the Baptist was the faithful witness and the voice in the wilderness who announced the coming of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings who rules and defends us, and restrains and conquers all of his and our enemies.

It said priests should decide on a case-by-case basis and "should not prevent or prohibit the Church's closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God's help through a simple blessing".

The pope hinted that an official change was in the works in October in response to questions put forward by five conservative cardinals at the start of a synod of bishops at the Vatican.

According to the Standard newspaper, he said these vices have resulted in low agricultural production, food insecurity, and a sluggish pace of development.

Speaking in Voi town on Sunday during a celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the Taita-Taveta ACK Diocese, Sapit criticized elected leaders for their failure to provide leadership and mobilize Kenyans to enhance food production.