Asagba of Asaba, Delta State, Prof Epiphany Azinge, has advocated an African Cardinal as the next head of the Catholic Church since the African continent is the future of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis, a Latin American, passed on Easter Monday at the age of 88, after over a decade of papal leadership marked by groundbreaking reforms and tireless humanitarian efforts.
The prominent traditional ruler advocated that the time was ripe for Africa to produce the next Pope, as some well–positioned Cardinals, including Peter Turkson from Ghana, Robert Sarah from Guinea, and Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of Congo, were to be considered.
He said the late Pope Francis championed inclusivity in the Church, and the time had come to put it into practice by giving Africa a chance.
The Asagba added that Africa presently appeared to be the bedrock of Catholicism and, by extension, Christianity worldwide, and it needed the momentum and impetus to lead the Church in the right direction.
The monarch, who is a Knight of Saint John (KSJ) and Knight of Saint Gregory the Great (KSG), said that while the Church looked up to God for guidance in the selection process, the factors of inclusivity and participation must count in favour of Africa.
On the profile of the top African Cardinals, the Asagba pointed out that Peter Turkson, 76, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Coast, is one of the Church’s most influential Cardinals and Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
He added that Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, is the only Cardinal from Africa on late Pope Francis’s Council of Cardinals, who, as president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, (SECAM), signed a letter in January 2024 voicing opposition to the Vatican’s declaration allowing priests to carry out non-liturgical blessings of same-sex unions, while Cardinal Robert Sarah is known for defending the faith and promoting traditional values.
Meanwhile, Delta State governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over Pope Francis’s passing, describing the late pontiff as a beacon of peace, humility, and compassion whose legacy will continue to inspire generations around the world.
In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori joined global leaders in mourning the revered spiritual leader, whose life was devoted to service, inclusiveness and justice.
He noted that Pope Francis was the spiritual head of over a billion Catholics and a global figure who touched countless lives across religions and nations through his unwavering advocacy for the poor, marginalised and oppressed.
“The passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, is a monumental loss not only to the Catholic Church but to humanity.
“His teachings, humility, and relentless pursuit of peace and unity will remain a guiding light to many,” the governor stated.
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