AN AFRICAN POPE?
Edward Kissi
I have grown exhausted about my African brethren always waxing hopeful for an African Pope anytime a white one dies. I understand that hope is now virulent in Ghana. Again!
A few dead pope’s ago, my African brothers went high heavens over Nigeria’s Cardinal Arinze. They got the white Pope Ratzinger. Then my African brothers went “popeful” again when Ratzinger retired. Again, they waxed hopeful about Ghana’s Cardinal Turkson. They got a white Pope Francis.
When will my African brothers stop dreaming about a black African Pope?
Well, over here in America no one is speculating about a black African Pope this time around. I stopped hoping decades ago, but I wish those hoping well. We shall see! I will not bet on it.
After all, there is nothing that a black pope will bring to the miserable lives of many in Africa. The thrill of symbolism? I can do without it.
Edward Kissi
Sent from my iPhone
Toyin Falola
Dear Ed:
Regarding your statement below in red, is the Pope a Development Officer? Are African Catholics not entitled to that symbolism? Any office that can bring peace is far more than enough.
After all, there is nothing that a black pope will bring to the miserable lives of many in Africa.
TF
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Edward Kissi
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“I myself do not judge a man [or a woman] by the color of his [or her] skin. The yardstick that I use to judge a man [or a woman] is his [ or her] deeds, his [her] behavior, and his [or her] intentions." -- Malcolm X.
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Dr. Oohay
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Cornelius Hamelberg
Dr Oohay,
It’s a moot question. I suppose that it's a hot topic of conversation in many African communities, the hopeful & faithful Catholics anticipating another milestone crossed :
“First Black Pope”
Celibacy!
What a responsibility !
No possibility
of e.g. bringing
the Papacy
into ill repute
or committing a fallacy
by making love
with Monic Lewinsky
In Vatican City
A good thing about the tantalizing prospect of an African Pope is that in accordance with the unforgettable spiritual advice given by St. Paul (.the shortest sentence in the so-called New Testament) : “Pray always”, at the very least that should keep many hopeful Africans praying for their preferred / favourite African candidate for such an elevated leadership position, the humble & exalted position of “Vicar of Christ on earth.”
(As you know the other shortest sentence in the Christian scriptures is “Jesus wept” )
Goodness knows what were the criteria for choosing Popes in the old days.
Indeed in the annals of the Holy Roman Catholic Church
there have been good popes and bad popes
some bad apples.
It’s really a matter of “ Not my will but Thy will be done”, isn’t it ?
George Galloway is certain about who's going to be the next Pope
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