Author: RODNEY MUHUMUZA Associated Press, ABC News
Published on: 01/05/2025 | 05:11:16
AI Summary:
Catholic Africans think it is a long shot, though some are cautiously optimistic that Pope Francis’ successor could be a Black cardinal from their continent. At least three African cardinals are among those currently cited as “papabile”. If any of them is selected, he would be the first African pope in more than 1,500 years. Catholic orthodoxy in Africa was at odds with Pope Francis’ pastoral vision of mercy and understanding for all marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ Catholics. Congo has the highest number of baptized Catholics in Africa. Ambongo rejected a Vatican declaration to allow priests to offer spontaneous, non-liturgical blessings to same-sex couples seeking God’s grace. Sarah, 79, retired in 2021 but remains eligible to attend the conclave. Since the death of Francis on April 21, he has emerged as a favorite of European traditionalists who want to see a reversal of Francis’ progressive policies. But many Catholics simply want a pope who will be a faithful leader for everyone. The head of the Catholic laity in Kampala, Uganda, recently came upon a small group of Christians discussing a newspaper article about possible papal contenders. Even if the next pontiff is “green,” she said, he “will be for all of us”.
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