The ‘election’ of the next pope after Pope Francis may raise a lot of disturbing questions as many Catholics and even non-Catholics seem to show much interest in the forthcoming Conclave. Unfortunately, the traditional and uncontroversial way of electing the pope for centuries is losing or has completely lost credence, namely, the role of the Holy Spirit in the selection of the pope. Has the role of the Holy Spirit anything to do with democracy?
Democracy and politics
The modern ‘democratic’ ways of choosing political leaders in many countries of the world today are obviously losing credence. Even in the former well-known “most democratic nations of the world”, defeated candidates in elections do not fail to cry out loud, letting the whole world know that the election in which a political candidate had been declared ‘winner’ was ‘rigged’. The election often is said to be fraudulent. The protesting leaders or parties try their best to show that the election was neither free, fair, nor credible!
In the modern world, governments that claim to practice democracy must of course shun corruption in every aspect of the voting system. The usual corrupt practices are widely known, and are of course as huge and long as the number of citizens who queue up to vote. But whatever the case may be, the most important aspect of the system is choosing the most or best qualified aspirant to the political office.
The Conclave and the white smoke
Whatever the role of the Holy Spirit in the papal election, have Catholics all over the world including the Cardinals any reason to reject the white smoke? The Cardinals who are qualified to vote, right from the death of the reigning pope, have made up their mind on whom to support. What may come to mind first as they prepare for the Conclave often include:
(1) The country of origin?
(2) Whose turn should it be next?
(3) What of the intellectual and spiritual qualifications of a possible candidate?
(4) His popularity in his home country and the Vatican?
(5) What is the population of Catholics in his home country or region?
(6) Perhaps, the most worrisome racial question can never be ignored: Can an AFRICAN or BLACK CARDINAL be elected pope? Why not?
Among the ‘Papabili’ – Who becomes the elected pope?
Whatever the case may be, it is necessary to underline the importance of certain extra-human virtues and erudition which the pope must possess. In every type of assessment, the adage “Knowledge is power” can never be underrated. The pope of the present time may no longer ignore the importance of:
(1) Thorough knowledge of English and Italian. A fair knowledge of German, French and Spanish will add flavour to the office.
(2) knowledge of various political systems
(3) Good knowledge of scripture and biblical theology.
For fellow Cardinals participating in the Conclave and most other informed Catholics, these ‘subjects’ should constitute the primary criteria for selecting the 12 ‘Papabili’ whose names appear on the voting card. The white smoke should signal the emergence of a ‘qualified’ new pope!
Conclusion – The final questions/issues
Few issues or questions have continued to linger in my mind even though, outside prayers, I have no part to play in the election of the next pope. And you, dear reader, will the outcome of the Conclave affect your mood, positively or negatively?
Msgr. Ndiokwere is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Orlu, Nigeria.
