I'm curious what the reaction would be to a non-white pope. Not necessarily black, but Asian, etc. I;m not Catholic but what do you think would be worldwide reaction? What about yours?
Well, I don't know Viceguy but I think it's a fair question and was not worded improperly at at all.
As far as I'm concerned it makes NO difference. I don't think worldwide it would matter either. Here, in the U.S. maybe to some it will matter, but hopefully that's a minority.
It shouldn't matter, but to say it won't to some people is naive.
Yesterday I was in Dunkin Donuts near Pelham Bay Park, which was historically a very Italian neighborhood but much more diverse today. Anyway, I'm getting my coffee and a couple of old timers were sitting there bullshitting and I couldn't help hear one of them quip that if they elect a Black Pope it might be "time to look into The Jehovah's Witnesses."
They were yukking it up pretty good. They were all so old and grandfatherly that it almost seemed good natured until you really took it in. I mean, how do you call yourself a Catholic and even joke about such a thing?
If it happens, it will bother some people. For sure.
As PB states, a non-white Pope would matter to some Catholics (and others, perhaps). Racial and ethnic prejudice crosses many lines including those of religion.
The selection of a Pope should be important to all. The Pope is not only the Catholic Church's highest prelate, but he is also a head of state. Just one example to keep in mind: without the assistance of Pope John II, the downfall of Communisim in Poland and eastern europe (and ultimately the Soviet Union)might not have taken place or might have been pushed further in to the future if it took place at all.
without the assistance of Pope John II, the downfall of Communisim in Poland and eastern europe (and ultimately the Soviet Union)might not have taken place or might have been pushed further in to the future if it took place at all.
I think that's what the Vatican wants us to believe. Yes, John Paul II was a symbol for the opposition in Poland. But the revolution/collapse would have taken place anyway.
Thanks to all who replied. Very interesting. Question of this type always produce quizzical responses being it is still a cause of bitterness, resentment, and often unquestioned sentiments. I assure all I meant no offense and was seriously interested in what thoughts it would provoke.
While it should not matter, my mama is black, my daddy is black, so I guess I'l be black till I die (not that there is anything wrong with it ). Again, thanks for all responses.
I feel bad been because I've been to the Vatican half a dozen times and it's literally breathtaking, maybe even life altering. But as I watch this live on television all I keep picturing is Michael Corleone and Cardinal Lamberto .
He's from Argentina. Guess I got it wrong. But he sounds kinda Italian to me. There's a Mario in there somewhere anyhow. Guess he's an Italian-American of the Latin kind.
Anyway I'll just bode a swift God Bless and with an "Amen to that" will now raise a toast to the new Pope of Cardinal Village:)
He has taken the name Pope Francis the First. He's 76 years old, which is about par for the course. And he's a traditional Catholic conservative on matters of abortion and same sex marriage, although he stresses acceptance of everyone.