Azrael wrote:Two of the favorites to be the next pope (according to Paddy Power) are African.
It would be very amusing to see how conservative, millenarian, protestants react to a black pope. I would imagine that many would see it as the end times and/or accuse the poor fellow of being the anti-Christ.
Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (based in Rome).
Under 'Views' there were four items:
1. African Pope
2. HIV/AIDS and condoms
3. Reform of the financial system
4. Homosexuality
It's an odd, and I'm afraid I must say so, an incredibly slanted set of distinguishing characteristics.
Nothing about doctrine or theology. Maybe Ratzinger said enough about that?
What are his views about heterosexuality? Any experience in these matters?
In any case, I don't see anything there that would get "conservatives" upset, but in ultra conservative places like the Caribbean and Africa his views would be welcomed by those who want to ensure that internal power structures won't be challenged.
I can't make an intelligent comment about "reform" of the financial system: the Devil is in the details, but if it's anything like Roman Catholic meddling in financial affairs in former times, I'd be wary of anything they recommend.
We've already seen what a magic president can accomplish. Do we need a magic pope?
If they want to elect a pope based on the politics of race wouldn't someone from Latin America make a lot more sense?