Posted on 04/04/2005 4:11:57 PM PDT by Crackingham
Many Africans think it's time for an African pope. They say having a black at the top would anchor the Roman Catholic Church among the world's poor — signaling that the Vatican aims to lead the fight against inequality and disease, offering a hope of salvation in this world as well as the next. And, they add, it would recognize that the church is gravitating away from the ailing parishes and empty pews of Europe to focus on vibrant congregations to the south.
Cardinal Francis Arinze of Nigeria is among those mentioned most often around the Vatican as potential successors to John Paul II, although he is considered a long shot by most accounts, even among Africans.
"It would show that God has a sense of humor to give the people a black pope, but are Westerners ready to accept that?" asked Cardinal Bernard Agre of Ivory Coast, one of Africa's 12 cardinals.
The growing Catholic churches in Africa now number 135.6 million, which is nearly 17 percent of worldwide membership. While John Paul increased the number of African cardinals by only one, he greatly boosted their profile by calling several to the Vatican. Arinze, for example, was entrusted with mediating interfaith relations — one of John Paul's favorite projects.
"John Paul strengthened Africa's role in the church," said Mario Aguilar, dean of divinity at St. Andrew's University in Scotland. "John Paul gave the tools to the African churches to become more central to the church."
Aguilar thinks that has increased the chances of seeing an African pope, but many in Africa are skeptical that time has come.
"I doubt that the white man will allow a black man to become pope," said Chinyere Osigwe, a 40-year-old Nigerian
Article states, "They say having a black at the top would anchor the Roman Catholic Church among the world's poor — signaling that the Vatican aims to lead the fight against inequality and disease . . .
Evidently a white Pope doesn't care about inequality and disease. This article is so racist that it is hard to take seriously. The implication that it is time for Affirmative Action to take effect in the choice for Pope is hard to miss. What next???
Typical AP slant in reporting. All they know to do is play the race card - like al libs.
Actually, I've heard many discuss the merits of Arinze as Pope, so I'm not surprised.
Like white people can't figure out that a lot of Africa is starving. Please.
Can't spell tonight.
al=all
I don't care what color the Pope is. John Pauk was white and was instrumental in bringning more Africans into fold. I can understand some people's skepticism but I think it's largely unfounded and should be put to rest.
The Catholic Church has been in Africa doing good works and the faith is growing very fast there. What does that have to do with handouts?
:sigh:
But it's a peaceful, beautiful and euphoric death.
Pope John Paul II was one of the greatest Popes in history. Although not Catholic myself, I realize that all Christians have suffered a loss with his passing. As for his successor, all that matters is that he's up to the job. Cardinal Francis Arinze of Nigeria sounds like he's well-qualified for the position. If so, then I'd be all for his papacy. But the ethnicity of the Pope is really beside the point.
well you may indeed be right, the more appropriate sentiment should be that having someone from the developing world, either Africa or Latin America or even Asia, regardless of the actual colour of their skin, would signal a more serious commitment to the impoverished of the world
a Polish pope did a lot for his homeland and the rest of Eastern Europe, he could do so because he lived a unique experience and because of that he was able to lead the fight vs communism...
can we say he was equally successful in dealing with the problems of Africa and Latin America, I don't think so
that is the one consistent criticism I have heard regarding the Pope over the last few days, and this is coming from his fans, after all he is not infallible
if the Vatican has good business sense they should appoint either an African or Latin American pope, because that is where their growth potential is
sure ain't in Europe
and it would behoove the Vatican to solidify its presence in Africa, Latin America and Asia before the Islamists do
The Muslims are targeting Africa for recruitment of Islamic fundamentalists, a Pope from Africa may stem that tide significantly. I bet RC churches in Africa are much more filled than their counterparts in Western Europe or even the US (save for Easter and Christmas masses).
You make some good points. Nigerian churches have to deal with invasions from muslim terrorists a lot.
this article and thread stinks.
the whole thing reminds me of the UN and Kofi
"We hope that perhaps the cardinals when they meet will follow the first non-Italian pope by electing the first African pope."
Hey, Tutu, ya Moron! John Paul II was not the first Non-Italian pope, and there was a pope from Africa in the 5th century.
An "African" Pope (i.e. Black) pope would do for the Catholic Church what an "African" (i.e. Black) Secretary General would do for the UN.
Ditto. The newbe will have some major shoes to fill.
Who knows what's next, but pray that the choice of the Cardinals is God's will, not man's.
I do see racism in the reported comments, and racism should have no part in the decision.
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