NationStates Jolt Archive

Pope John Paul has done many admirable things even in the eyes of non-Roman Catholics, he helped communism fall in his native Poland, rallied against wars, held one of the first major meetings of religions at the Vatican, prayed at the weeping wall to name a few. Admittedly he is not without contraversy such as teaching against condoms in Africa where AIDS/HIV is an epidemic, touching delicatly upon the issues of female clergy and gay clergy. Now he is heading towards the end of his life, the question lies unasked, who will replace him?

When you look at the pool of voters who will make this decision something strikes me. John Paul has appointed a lot of Africans, which in its self isn't that surprising as it is one of the few areas where Catholism is growing. Congregations are shrinking in Europe (with the exception of the former USSR) and the Americas, so this new blood is perhaps not so unexpected. What I didn't expect to find however is that half of this voting pool for the new Pope is black. Could it be that the next Pope will be African? I think it's a distinct possibility. What do you think? How do you think this will change the church, if at all? How do you think conservative factions within the Vatican that the current Pope has struggled with for so many years would react to a black pope?

It'd be cool, just because I'd love to see what happens.

Of course, my mental image of a Chris Rock-esque guy becoming the Pope are unrealistic. It'd be damn funny though.

Well, hopefully funnier than the last few Chris Rock movies which have been pretty terrible.

A very good question, Patra Caesar. The population of black Catholics is certainly growing. There may even be a black pope sooner than we surmise - given that a lot of western Catholics are becoming quite liberal when it comes to homosexuality and birth control, there is a possibility that conservative Catholics will ally with African Catholics (who tend to have very traditional beliefs, particularly around homosexuality). I think it all comes down to whether the Africans or the conservatives have the most votes when it comes to selecting a new pope. If the African power base is strong, they just might be able to negotiate a black pope. Of course, that all depends on whether there are any African cardinals to chose from. (It is the cardinals the pope is chosen from, isn't it?)

Who cares, the pope is about as useful as a zit on Michael Moore's ass.

Seeing as the Catholic Church really isn't racist, it shouldn't cause a problem. Keep in mind that there is a very big difference between Africans and African Americans. Kitchwa Tempo would make a better pope than P Diddy I think...

As for selecting, yes, popes are chosen from a college of cardinals, and there usually are some senior members of the college that are favored above the rest and thus obviously having greater chances of becoming pope. If the African additions are recent, they must be very upstanding to be actually chosen.

Who cares, the pope is about as useful as a zit on Michael Moore's ass.

History will prove you wrong...very wrong...so why not try thinking before opening that trash bin next time?

. Of course, that all depends on whether there are any African cardinals to chose from. (It is the cardinals the pope is chosen from, isn't it?)

I am told that about half of them are black and most of them have been appointed by the current Pope. They are also the ones who vote for the Pope. If they have over half the vote and are single minded the next Pope could be black, it would also seem that the next Pope may be more conservative than the current Pope.

Who cares, the pope is about as useful as a zit on Michael Moore's ass.

A zit on Michael Moore's arse never stood in personal danger while acting as a rallying point against totalitarianism, nor I image has such a zit ever condemned war, provided aid in the third world or other such charitable events.

Catholicism already has a Black Pope. ;)

(I guess I'll have to explain this one, the head of the Jesuit order used to be refered to as the Black Pope)

Catholicism already has a Black Pope. ;)

[size=1](I guess I'll have to explain this one, the head of the Jesuit order used to be refered to as the Black Pope)
Actually, I got it. Mostly because I had been reading Reformation Online just minutes before, with their endless rants about teh eeeeeevil Jesuits.

Teh Jesuits 4r3 t3h EEEVIL brainwashers!!! (http://www.reformation.org/brainwashed.html)
Teh Jesuits want t0 send YUO too HELL!!!! (http://www.reformation.org/five-deadly-jesuits.html)

I think the upper echelons of the Vatican strive for consensus, and that the conservative element of that group would oppose a change in race for the office of Pope.

Just my thinking, though. Hope I'm wrong!

It's entirely possible the next pope will be black, or possibly Hispanic, with the strength of the Church in South America. I think Cardinal Ratzinger has a strong chance as well, what with his influence and all. But there's still plenty of people in the running, and Lord only knows who it will be.

and Lord only knows who it will be.

Hmm quite literally...

Hmm quite literally...
Yes, pun intended. ;)

Actually, I got it. Mostly because I had been reading Reformation Online just minutes before, with their endless rants about teh eeeeeevil Jesuits.

Teh Jesuits 4r3 t3h EEEVIL brainwashers!!! (http://www.reformation.org/brainwashed.html)
Teh Jesuits want t0 send YUO too HELL!!!! (http://www.reformation.org/five-deadly-jesuits.html)
Oh, my, God.

That is soooooo bizzare.

I suppose this is what happens when you throw out all critical thinking and logic. Maitre would be proud. Except that he was a Catholic, and therefore a Jesuit and therefore an architect to damn mankind.

Although I love this line:

"The only thing worse than a Spanish Jesuit is an English Jesuit."

btw, do they mention an ex-Jesuit called Malachi Martin anywhere on that site?

btw, do they mention an ex-Jesuit called Malachi Martin anywhere on that site?
There's a bunch of quotes from him on this page:
OMGWTF t3h Jesuits try too k1ll a11 teh popes oh NOES!! (http://www.reformation.org/jesuit-papal-assassins.html)

I think that's the only page.

It's entirely possible the next pope will be black, or possibly Hispanic, with the strength of the Church in South America. I think Cardinal Ratzinger has a strong chance as well, what with his influence and all. But there's still plenty of people in the running, and Lord only knows who it will be.

I think I remember hearing somewhere that a Brazilian could be a good candidate to become the next Pope. Not sure if it's the one you named or someone else. Anyone wanna help out here?

Gotta love this bit from:

http://www.reformation.org/vaccine.html

"Medicine man Jenner took this local legend or old wives' tale and turned it into a scientific FACT. He did this by first getting some scientific credentials (M.D., F.R.S. - Fellow of the Royal Society). "

[Their emphasis, not mine]

I mean, how dare he. I cannot stand these doctors who think that by getting medical degree and becoming a member of a prestigous scientific institution they can make so called informed decision regarding anything medical.

There's a bunch of quotes from him on this page:
OMGWTF t3h Jesuits try too k1ll a11 teh popes oh NOES!! (http://www.reformation.org/jesuit-papal-assassins.html)

I think that's the only page.
Gotta love MM, Catholioisms answer to Jack Chick.

I mean, how dare he. I cannot stand these doctors who think that by getting medical degree and becoming a member of a prestigous scientific institution they can make so called informed decision regarding anything medical.
Don't you love how they think vaccination is killing us? When it's about as close to proven as you can get that many of them do prevent illness?

Oh, and this gem:
Smallpox i5 a L13 and it iss reAllY cauzed by TEH BUGS!!! (http://www.reformation.org/smallpox-cure.html)

Then there's the one stating that the United States is really Sodom and GOmorah and all US soldiers are evil. That one's pretty funny.

Don't you love how they think vaccination is killing us? When it's about as close to proven as you can get that many of them do prevent illness?

Oh, and this gem:
Smallpox i5 a L13 and it iss reAllY cauzed by TEH BUGS!!! (http://www.reformation.org/smallpox-cure.html)

Then there's the one stating that the United States is really Sodom and GOmorah and all US soldiers are evil. That one's pretty funny.

I'm still trying to get my head my around the idea of Cabotia (http://www.reformation.org/cabotia.html), either my lack of sleep is kicking in or this is more rambling, random and rabid then normal.

Recently Bishop Skylstad who is the bishop of the dioscese my church is in (Spokane, Wa) and who is also president of the US conference of Catholic Bishops came to my university. The topic of who would be next pope came up. He mentioned about 4-5 names of cardinals from various countries and continents who would be seriously considered. One of these was a respected cardinal from Africa (I don't remember his name). I also remember that he mentioned a cardinal from South America.

Obviously nothing is certain, but he said the chances were very slim that the next pope would be from the United States. The reasoning behind this is that the US is the one world power and picking a pope from here would be a little too politically loaded.

Anyway, I would say a black pope is definitely possible.

I'm still trying to get my head my around the idea of Cabotia (http://www.reformation.org/cabotia.html), either my lack of sleep is kicking in or this is more rambling, random and rabid then normal.
It is a bit more off-baseline...
I particularly like this gem at the end.
No more need for the Knights of Columbus oath!!

Millions of school children in parrot like fashion say the Knights of Columbus oath before school each day: The oath goes like this:

I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

All that this pledge needs is a change of ONE WORD to make it perfect. The new pledge should say:

I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of CABOTIA and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Since Columbus was a fraud, a thief and a murderer, the United States of Cabotia has no more need for the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bank, the Pentagon, the FBI, the CIA etc., etc and the entire monstrous structure built on a foundation of SINKING SAND!!

We are sure that the lion of Venice —John Cabot —fought like a lion when he encountered the pirate Alonso de Hojeda. Columbus and his crew believed that they would have easy prey when they attacked the Venetian galleys off the coast of Portugal. Columbus found out differently however. What a shame that the Venetians didn't kill that pirate and do mankind a great service.
:confused:

I hope the next Pope is black, and II hope we film Servus Dei's head exploding when he hears the news.

(yawn) the thrilling thing would be if the next pope was a woman... Perhaps in 2000 more years...

(yawn) the thrilling thing would be if the next pope was a woman... Perhaps in 2000 more years...

How about Hillary Clinton :rolleyes:

You might want to stetch your allotted time to 'indefinate.'

(yawn) the thrilling thing would be if the next pope was a woman... Perhaps in 2000 more years...
Heh, it would be funny if they appointed a black pope, and then realized when he died that he was really a woman dressing as a man.

:eek:
They should make a movie!

Heh, it would be funny if they appointed a black pope, and then realized when he died that he was really a woman dressing as a man.

:eek:
They should make a movie!

Yes, seeing as movies about transvestites/gays/lesbians/minorities/really, really, really (and boy do I mean really) deformed people being victimized by society are all the rage these days, I think that it would be a perfect way not only to fit in more diversity for Hollywood (if possible), but slam the Catholic Church in some way or another.

The District of Columbia, the U.S. Bank, the Pentagon, the FBI, the CIA etc., etc and the entire monstrous structure built on a foundation of SINKING SAND!!

We are sure that the lion of Venice —John Cabot —fought like a lion when he encountered the pirate Alonso de Hojeda.

Can you spot the sinking irony in this quote?

Columbus may have once been a pirate, but he reformed, became respectable and married well. After making amends with the Spanish king, who's ships it is said but not prooven he robbed, to the extent where he was trusted to with fleet, he came upon America.

Yes, seeing as movies about transvestites/gays/lesbians/minorities/really, really, really (and boy do I mean really) deformed people being victimized by society are all the rage these days, I think that it would be a perfect way not only to fit in more diversity for Hollywood (if possible), but slam the Catholic Church in some way or another.
Are you trying to say those were my motives, or just that it's a really bad idea for a movie(which is probably true)?
:confused:

I know you were talking about a cross-dresser, not transvestite, so obviously they were not your motives. It is somewhat related to what I said though, and yes, it would be one crappy movie...just like all the rest...

I know you were talking about a cross-dresser, not transvestite, so obviously they were not your motives. It is somewhat related to what I said though, and yes, it would be one crappy movie...just like all the rest...
Oh, sorry, I'm continually context-challenged.

Could the next Pope be black? There is a very good chance of it. However what race they are does not matter. What matters is how devoted to God he is. All I hope from the next Pope is that he continues to keep the Catholic Church's stances on issues conservative. We need to keep the ranks of the clergy pure(no sodomites or pedophiles), we need to denounce homosexuality as a sin, we need a strong pro-life stance, we need to condemn contraception, ect.

I hope our next pope is more like this.
http://www.diamondcomics.com/previews/editorial/readinglamp/dec_00/battle_pope.jpg

I have never seen or heard of a black catholic priest, it would be far more likely for the next pope to be indian

I have never seen or heard of a black catholic priest, it would be far more likely for the next pope to be indian

I would have guessed hispanic myself, if we're working on Catholic powerbase ethnicities.

I would have guessed hispanic myself, if we're working on Catholic powerbase ethnicities.
I havn't seen hispanic PRIESTS either, i guess teh yare more popular out in the south west, but Indians are signing up to be priests more

I havn't seen hispanic PRIESTS either, i guess teh yare more popular out in the south west, but Indians are signing up to be priests more

Hispanic priests, as well as Indian priests, black priests, et al. are pretty common in New York, actually....

The next pope will be a black lesbian with an afro.(they'll try to get young followers)

Hispanic priests, as well as Indian priests, black priests, et al. are pretty common in New York, actually....

I'm not even talking about in the United States. (Though the nearest Catholic church to me has a Dominican priest. As in republic, not order.) I'm talking about in Central and South America. The Bishop of Mexico, for example is hispanic.

I mean, does anyone really expect the next pope to be an American?

It's doubtful that the next pope will be American. I'm not even sure who's a big enough of a name to take the position.

I hear stories from my roomate (who's Catholic) about the various parishes in southwestern Connecticut with priests imported from various parts of the world. Eastern European, black, Latino, among others.

Race does not matter when it comes to the papacy. But to answer your question, yeah, it is a definate possibility from the trends I've been hearing about in Africa.

Personally, I hope we have another Pope like John Paul II.

Controversy = Change

And change is what the Church needs in my opinion.

We should hold papal elections here. Appoint an NS Pope.

I vote for Servus Dei. :D

It would be so cool to have a black pope. If you were Catholic you could act ghetto, 'cause you could say "the leader of my church is black, and I try to be as much like him as possible." There aren't many black people in my community, which kind of sucks. Really boring too. But that's not the point. The point is, no matter what color, the Pope needs to be close to God, and not raping kids. I'm sure there are a lot of good candidates, and I'm also sure the current Pope will make the right choice.

Jesus Walks.

I'm sure there are a lot of good candidates, and I'm also sure the current Pope will make the right choice.

Actually, the College of Cardinals makes the choice. The Pope is usually dead when they choose the next one.

Actually, the College of Cardinals makes the choice. The Pope is usually dead when they choose the next one.

Don't they pick pickled eggs out of a barrel? Whoever gets the black egg is next? Or do they burn the ballots and wait until the smoke comes out black? Isn't there some hoodoo in here?

The next pope will be a black lesbian with an afro

A disabled Black lesbian with... uh... diseases... or something.
Or me. I wanna be the first atheist pope.

I would love to see it, but can never ever see it happening, the catholic church would never have a black pope.

Don't they pick pickled eggs out of a barrel? Whoever gets the black egg is next? Or do they burn the ballots and wait until the smoke comes out black? Isn't there some hoodoo in here?

They burn the ballots. Black smoke means that the vote is invalid, white means you got a new pope.

I would love to see it, but can never ever see it happening, the catholic church would never have a black pope.

Care to explain?

Actually, the College of Cardinals makes the choice. The Pope is usually dead when they choose the next one.

Same diff. :D

Cardinal Bozanic of Zagreb, he has the iintellectual capacity, and is respected, He's on quite good terms with the current pope, nor would he even be the first Croat Pope, there was one before, Pope Sixtus V. Here is more about him if you are interested.

http://www.croatians.com/pope.htm

his great claims to fame are he beatified The Blessed Queen Katarina Vukcic-Kosaca, the first Bosnian to be so honored (not as frequently reported the very great man Ivan Merz)

He also is who pronounced excommunication against Elizebeth 1 of England. For that he is better known.

The VAtican amounted to9 something in his day. . . He even put together a Vatican Navy! How cool is that?


Anyway, the other thing is that Cardinal Bozanic is young and in good health, and is neither excessively conservative nor excessively liberal. He's also a great public speaker.

http://www.spc.org.yu/Vesti-2004/06/bozanic2-v.jpg

plus he's capable of dealing with people of other faith communities, which is a highly desireable trait when there is so much work to be done reconciling people of different religions.

I th ink that there is a real chance too that Pope John Paul II or his successor could be the last Pope. Anyway, I do think there is a strong possiblity a person of color will be the next Pope. oh on that site, dang that is a serious conspiracy theory. I need to read it more but at first glance, it looks absolutely mad.

So is someone trying to silence the Pope now? Does anyone know if His Holieness ever smoked?

I don't really want to see a black Pope, I want to see a true righteous Pope. Skin color is less important than skill. John Paul did okay, except for a few percieved weaknesses. If the next Pope is better, let him. Black or not.

Who cares, the pope is about as useful as a zit on Michael Moore's ass.

Don't underestimate the power he wields. He can be rightout dangerous to contemporary societies. Look what he instigated in Poland and the rest of the dominoes.

As for the issue at hand: quoting Dan Brown (another bookworm) the election of papacy is dominated by three factors. CONSERVATISM, CONSERVATISM and CONSERVATISM. Black is definitely a nono.

As for the issue at hand: quoting Dan Brown

:rolleyes: