I suppose as I write this that I should disclose that I am not Catholic. My father was raised in the Catholic church, but I wasn’t. Still, as someone who has studied theology and church history (actually studied, not just podcasts) I can honestly say that despite its significant shortcomings, the Catholic Church has held a powerful place as an advocate for social justice. And, because justice is irrevocably tied to history, and because powerful nations have to come to grips with their own history, it is time for an African Pope.
If I’m not Catholic, why does it matter what I think? Frankly, other than the Cardinals in the Conclave, it doesn’t directly matter what the average Catholic thinks either. However, allowing for faith and even mystery as factors, such a decision can have an effect on many who are not Catholics. Francis was the first South American Pope, and depending on whose statistics are examined, the number of Catholics who are immigrants in the U.S. hovers around 4 in 10, with Hispanic Catholics being approximately 58% born outside the U.S. (Pew Research) With those numbers alone, the importance of Francis and his outspoken care for immigrants and refugees around the world cannot be understated.
The rest of this century will face wars, natural disasters and the refugees they produce. Human migration is not new, and neither are wars and the reasons nations go to war. However, as our technology increases, so does the damage we inflict on each other. In addition, the technology we use is dependent on metals and minerals, many of which are found in African mines. Both Europe and the Western Hemisphere have a history of taking resources from Africa. The most obvious being its people, but its natural resources were and continue to be taken, sometimes through ethical business and many times through unethical outgrowths of post colonial mining. The West isn’t the only agent in such efforts to both satiate our dependencies on such technologies.
The Catholic Church still has a strong influence for good despite its moral stumblings. That force is truly world wide, and a Pope who understands a continent that is often over generalized and whose cultural diversity is overlooked by those who simply want to experience it as tourists or take advantage of its resources. Much like Francis, a Pope who took the name of St. Francis of Assisi, the next Pope has a chance to embrace the mantle of speaking for the downtrodden. And since 20% of the world’s Catholics reside on the African continent, it is legitimate to strongly consider that the time for an African Pope has come.
In addition, 60% of the world’s Anglicans, sometimes referred to as Catholic Light, also live on the African continent. If you notice a pattern of growing churches on one particular continent, pressing global issues and priests who have come up from the ranks with first hand knowledge of religious conflicts, post colonial business abuse, refugees and other issues which call out for strong moral leaders, then an African Pope makes a great deal of sense.
If what I am proposing seems somewhat non-religious, lacking in the specifics of ceremony and doctrines of the church, I am guilty as charged. I would not offer ceremonial or doctrinal advice, nor would I recommend Hollywood as some sort of primer for understanding the Catholic Church. I would also not put the church on some sort of pedestal. Its abuses are documented. I grew up in Southern Baptist churches.
The Southern Baptist Church released a formal statement in 1995 apologizing for its role in slavery in the U.S. A bit late right? Still, on my better days it seems to me something the size of Catholicism is capable of tremendous good, despite all the baggage. I’ve seen the work with refugees on our southern border first hand, and its sacrificial nature is inspiring. So, I have no ballot for the conclave, but I will hope for the church to be a force for moral good, and it seems that electing an African Pope could be a redemptive decision moving forward.
John Cabascango
John Cabascango is the author of Off the Rails: Evangelicals, Power and Politics and Throwing Moses Under the Bus: A High School English Teacher Looks at the Ten Commandments
I agree , but for different reasons. Cardinal Sarah would be an excellent choice.
As a lifelong Catholic , I can tell you we’re pretty done with the idea of South American leftists as Pontiff.