As the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new pope following the passing of Pope Francis, Catholic leaders in Nigeria are reminding the faithful that the process is guided by spiritual considerations, not racial or regional sentiments.
Reacting to the social media campaign for a pope of African origin, or a black pope, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja emphasised that the focus should be on the holiness and leadership qualities of the next pope, rather than their geographical origin.
“We are not praying for an African pope. We are praying for a good and Holy Pope who will shepherd the people,” he said.
There is no room for “Emilokan” mentality
Rev. Father Chinenye Oluoma echoed this sentiment, stating that the concept of “Emilokan” (It’s my turn) has no place in the election of a pope.
“When it comes to electing a pope, there is nothing like emilokan,” he said on his facebook post, highlighting the spiritual nature of the process.
God’s Will, Not Human Preference
Both Archbishop Kaigama and Father Oluoma emphasized that the next pope will be chosen according to God’s will, and that the faithful should trust in this process.
“We will get a new Pope according to God’s will. You may not like him, and you don’t have to, as long as he upholds the traditions and teachings of the church guided by sacred Tradition and the scripture,” Archbishop Kaigama noted.
A Call to Prayer and Discernment
As the Catholic Church embarks on this new chapter, the leaders are calling on the faithful to pray for a holy and worthy successor to Pope Francis.
The election of the new pope is a spiritual process that requires discernment, prayer, and trust in God’s will.
