At the Vatican, an unprecedented conclave is announced in the recent history of the Catholic Church. An African Pope would be “an inspiration to the whole of Catholic”

After 18 years spent inside the Vatican walls, between congregations, synods and rituals, I learned that, no matter how well you think you know the power mechanisms of the Catholic Church, no conclave resembles another. But the following – with the beginning announced for May 7 – is foreshadowed to be the most unpredictable of the last decades, writes for The Guardian, Ariel Beramedi who has worked at the Vatican as a official in the communication dicaster.

Cardinals are preparing for a conlave to choose the new Pope/Photo: X

At the funerals of Pope Francis, last month, Rome Pulsa already tension. In discreet courtyards and private rooms, the cardinals were measured, and the rumors slipped with the Vatican's well -known discretion, where the peace does not necessarily mean the absence of the conflict, but only the refinement with which they are worn.

The stake is huge. Not only because in the game is the succession of one of the most popular reformers of the modern era, but also because the current structure of the Cardinal College is radically different from that of the previous conclave. Of the 133 voters, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis. They are cardinals coming from the corners of the world so far by the Roman Center – from Asia, Subsahanian Africa, Latin America and islands in Pacific -, people who do not know each other, who speak different languages ​​and who do not necessarily share the same ecclesial priorities.

For some of my former courier colleagues, this fragmented painting is a source of concern. For others, an opportunity. And for all, a guarantee that no prognosis is sure, notes beramedi.

“An African Pope would be historian”

Currently predominantly Muslim, North Africa has once been a bastion of Christianity, giving birth to Catholic popes that have left their mark on the Church to this day. Their papacy took place during the Roman Empire, which stretched on the current territory of Tunisia, northeast Algeria and the western coast of Libya, writes BBC.

After Pope Francis's death, the 71 countries will gather in the Sistine Chapel to choose the new leader of the Catholic Church. In the northwest of England, where the Catholic communities are numerous, the believers of different nationalities express their hopes for the future Pontiff.

Akwasi Ata, a 46 -year -old Ganez living in Salford, says the choice of an African Pope would be a moment of pride for the whole continent. He mentions Cardinal Peter Turkson, one of the favorites in succession, as a potential first African pope of the modern era.

“The Ganes are a proud people and we enjoy any achievement of our fellow citizens. We have a strong Christian community, and the Catholics would be pleased to see Cardinal Turkson on the papal throne”Says Atta. “An African Pope would be an inspiration not only for Catholics, but for all Africans everywhere.”

“Nationality does not matter, but the qualities”

But Father Solomon Shamee, a Nigerian priest working in Manchester, has a different opinion. He believes that discussions about the origin of the new Pope should be secondary.

“I don't think a Nigerian Pope is realistic in this momenT ”, says Father Shamee. “We should not choose a pope after race or nationality, but by his ability to lead the Church, as Jesus wanted.”

“It is important to be a good man”

Lorraine Taurasi, the president of the Italian Association of Manchester, says that although Italy has several cardinals in the race, it does not matter the origin of the new Pope.

“We are open to any nationality. It is important to be a good man, like Pope Francis”she says.

Taurasi organizes a religious procession annually through Manchester and says, with a smile: “Whatever the new Pope is, it is welcome to participate in our next procession! ”

“We are all children of God”

Eva Ripoll Breau, a Spanish living in the UK for 30, says the choice of a Spanish Pope would be a reason for pride, but she adds, “in front of God, we are all equal. I think regardless of origin, the choice will be the right one.”

“A Philippine Pope would be a huge honor.”

Sue Wood, a Philippine established in Manchester, admires Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, nicknamed “Pope Francis of the Philippines”.

“It would be a great honor for us if one of the Filipino Cardinals had chosen“She says. “But maybe Cardinal Tagle is still too young for this responsibility.”

What does tradition say?

The conclave will start on Thursday after two weeks of mourning. Theoretically, any baptized man can be chosen Pope, but in practice, the choice is usually made between cardinals.

The last time a non-Italian pope was chosen was in 1978, when Polish John Paul II ended a 455-year-old Italian Papi.

Regardless of the origin, the Catholic world is waiting for a leader to continue the legacy of Pope Francis – one of unity, compassion and openness.