February 22, 2013     Africa blogger     "Bakhita"        Previous articles

The Next Pope  - What to consider

With the resigning/retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, the search for a new Pope begins. One cannot help but wonder, isn’t there a defined set of qualities/ criteria used to describe the holder of that office? Do they not have some sort of rank and file system as all organizations do, such that his deputy steps into his shoes in the event of the office being vacant?  

The search seems to bring out the worst of us Christians. We forever preach that we are all united and are brothers and sisters in Christ, yet as the search continues, we see the different groupings in terms of race and even further, nationalities. There is discussion on most peoples lips that the next pope should be black? An African? Or may be even if white, he should be from say the Americas and not Europe, and if African, will he be from Ghana? Nigeria? What about the Asian community or even Chinese? We do have Christians amongst these communities, who, for various reasons may be seen as a minority. Shouldn’t they also be represented? How about a female pope? In this day and age of affirmative action, shouldn't the women also ask to be given the chance to head the Church?  

My take is that Leadership comes from God. The Church has evolved and with the evolution, certain practices are being adopted and are causing division in the Church. What we should be praying for is for a leader who will unite the Church and give the Church direction in accordance with the Lord’s word. Whether black or white or whatever, we are all God’s children and color should be of little importance. What is important is that the dignity and the glory of the Church be restored through good leadership.