'Let’s leave it up to God' - SACBC on election of new pope
Secretary-general of the South African Catholic Bishop's Conference (SACBC), Father Hugh O'Connor believes race should not feature in the discussions for a new pope.
FILE: Pope Francis stands up at the end of a prayer vigil on the occasion of the Jubilee of Divine Mercy at St Peter's square in Vatican on 2 April 2016. Pope Francis died on 21 April 2025 announced The Vatican. Picture: Vincenzo PINTO / AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Senior leaders of the Catholic church in South Africa have refused to be drawn into discussions on race and the church.
As the world fixes its eyes on the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis, conversations around a new pope emerge and whether the Catholic Church was ready for a black pope.
The late pontiff has been hailed as a figure who solidified the Vatican’s relationship with Africa by visiting 10 African countries during his 12-year papacy.
Among the cardinals who will form part of the conclave is Congolese national, Fridolin Besungu and Ghanaian cardinal, Peter Turkson.
But secretary-general of the South African Catholic Bishop's Conference (SACBC), Father Hugh O'Connor believes race should not feature in the discussions for a new pope.
"Whether the pope is from the north or the south, the east or the west, the Church will welcome that pope. It is not wise to put out limitations on who and who cannot be elected because sometimes we fancy somebody without knowing the full story, so let’s leave it up to God," said O'Connor.