The Brutha Who Could Be Pope
April 3, 2005 | 3:17 pm
One of candidates on the Papal succession short list could turn the system on it’s ear and show if Catholic church is truly ready for the 21st century.
Said candidate is Cardinal Francis Arinze, a Nigerian by birth, and the fourth ranking Cardinal in the Vatican. Yes…a black man actually has a legitimate shot at being the next Pope.
While he wouldn’t be the first African Pope ever, he would be the first of the modern era. The era where Catholics around the world can actually get detailed info and see what a candidate looks like.
I’m sooooo curious as to what the response would be if Arinze got elected. “What Would Jesus Do” is concept spouted by many, truly understood by few, and realistically practiced by almost no one. JC would accept Arinze, just as he would accept us all. Can’t say the same for those who worship him…
Still, Arinze definitely has some serious Papal street cred which makes him very viable for the job. He also has unique skills: “He became an expert on Islam and led the Vatican’s interfaith dialogue, a job which some feel could be his key qualification.” Experience with Islam…sounds like a good thing to have in this day and age.
While I’m not a Catholic, I’m looking forward to seeing how the succession pans out. Here’s hoping the Brutha gets a fair shake. :)
