The Pontiff

Pope John Paul II’s African journey started with a visit to Kenya in 1980. Singing youngsters, local dance groups, and a military honour breathed life into the Pope’s welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. After kissing the ground upon landing, the Pontiff was welcomed by Kenya’s President Daniel Arap Moi, senior government officials, and the diplomatic corps. Later the Pontiff rode in a massive motorcade into the city where he addressed hundreds of thousands of people at the famous Uhuru Park, urging Catholics to adhere to the church’s structures on abortion, cleansing, and a particularly touchy subject – polygamy. Kenya's renowned photojournalist Mohamed Amin, also known as 'Six Camera Mo' was best known as a great frontline photojournalist, but he spent more time documenting wildlife, beauty, culture, people and leaders than anything else. Mo managed to use his cameras for more than a generation to bring East Africa’s most powerful stories into world view. “Dad and his colleague Duncan Willetts had heard that the Pope used to like swimming or jogging early in the morning, and as the official residence was just up our road in Lavington, they decided to see if they could get some pictures! They managed to talk their way into the house and were wandering around when they were suddenly confronted by a massive priest who was the Pope’s bodyguard! He started cursing and swearing at them as the Pope came around the corner (not in a swimming costume unfortunately!). The Pontiff greeted them and Dad, prepared as always, presented him with a copy of his book “Pilgrimage to Mecca”. The Pope gave them his rosaries in exchange.” ~ Salim Amin