Time for a Black Pope?

As the catholic world awoke to the shock news that Pope Benedict XVL resigned, sighting ill health, speculation has quickly grown about who might succeed him. The role, as leader of 1.2 billion followers is fantastically unique , proudly undemocratic, and profoundly archaic. And yet it has emerged that two Black Cardinals have already become the two front runners to replace Benedict XVL.

They are Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson and Cardinal Francis Arinze from Eastern Nigeria. In its Papal history there has never been a Pope selected from outside of Europe, even though its followers now only represent 25% of its global congregation. Latin America has the largest block, with African Catholics growing on a yearly rate.

But before those who might get too optimistic about an 'Obama moment within the Catholic Church', let's not forget that a year or so ago, the Anglican Church very quickly touted the first Black Archbishop, Bishop John Sentamu, which, sadly unleashed the ‘dogs of hell’, at the possibility of a Black man heading up the Protestant Church.

One wonders if the same tactics are being used here: 'Put these Black candidates in your face, evoke bigoted outrage, and then concede that choosing the next Pope will be business as usual; another white European.'

Whatever, the outcome the Vatican is a deeply conservative organisation which prides itself on little change. Therefore, whoever is chosen will not be a radical, maverick leader, but if he is Black symbolically it would be a seismic change.

Simon Woolley