The Burden Of An African Pope

Dr. Jarlath Uche Opara Jarlathuche@gmail.com

Since after the election of the new Pope, I had on many occasions within the quietness and calmness of my mind tried to compare Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost now Pope Leo XIV with other Cardinals. Each time I looked at him, his carriage, composure, gait, mannerism and of course the various tales about him both in pictures and letters, I seemed persuaded to conclude that none would
have been better for the call than him.

May be my mind plays tricks on me, just may be. However, such is my reality. He suites very well to the aura the papacy commands, fit as a fiddle with a smile that melts.

Though too early to judge, but not too early to say that a child that would be great and outstandingly mesmerising is known from the very day of their birth.

His emergence did and is still raising a lot of concerns both positive and not too positive.

All that are expected since we are humans, with choices and prefrences. Not even the emergence of Jesus as the Pope would have happened without divergence of views and opinions.

Of all the trending concerns, I would like to talk about on the concerns of 1] A black smoke 2) A black Pope.

The black smoke from the chimney of Sistine Chapel has nothing derogetory to the pigmentation of Africa. It is mere symbol for proper communication. When an engine smokes what comes out?

When a house is burning what comes out? Black smoke is a natural emission signifying unpleasantness, nothing to do with the value, integrity, relevance etc of an African man. Apart from black smokes there are other wonderful and amazing things either created by nature or by human creativity that come in black colours.

Many have asked when would the church allow a black Pope. It is not about the church allowing but more of the need of the moment. Does the church need or ready for a black Pope now? Years ago the Papacy was all about Italians. Today the trend is shifting and the status quo changing. I believe too, when the church needs a black Pope, a black Pope would effortlessly emerge.

For now the burden of an African or black Pope would be too much. Imagine if Pope LeoXIV was a Nigerian. What do you think would happen? One could readily see the impact of the influence of some Nigerians within the higher hierarchy of the Papacy. One could see dents of tribal sentiments, halo effects syndrome and wielding of power and influence to favour passionately. It is very clear we are not blind!

The burden of an African Pope would be too incumbarance. Turning Vatican into a small tribal settlement not at a discount. The Pope obviously would become a bragging right, an intimidating tool, even the sibblings and relatives would become small Pope in dimensions that would reduce the Papacy to a family heritage. Parish priests and local Ordinaries would become pariahs in their hands especially those looking for favour.

Mirrow what is happening in Nigeria where the son of the President is lord and master, wielding undue influence, such would be a pitable scenario for the church if an African especially Nigerian becomes a Pope.

Africans for now are not ready for the Papacy. In the future they might be!!

Pope Leo XIV The best choice for the job which the Holy Spirit is setting out for the church. In the workings of the Holy Spirit, no human predicts.