Will The Cardinals Select The First Black Pope?

In a first for the church the next pope could be black. The last time the cardinals had a conclave Cardinal Francis Arinze from Nigeria was almost elected as the pope. However, he is now 80 years old and maybe too old to be a contender. There is another African cardinal from Ghana 65 year old Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson who could be chosen to be the next Pope after Pope Benedict XVI resignation on February 28th 2013.

The argument is that with the large majority of Catholics now found in Africa, Latin America and Asia the time is right to have the first black pope? After all, Pope Benedict XVI has already made history by having the first papal abdication since the year 1495. This maybe the year to try different things and break a few church traditions. Maybe even consider a Latin American on Asian Pope?

Anything is possible these days. In 2008, the United States elected Barack Obama as their first black president. That is something that had never happened before and many were not prepared for. However, after the initial shock those who opposed the idea have gotten used to seeing their country be led by an African American. I suspect this would be the first reaction from Catholics all over the world, however they would all begin to accept it and all would be well.

Of course, they may be some who may never get used to the idea and will never accept it. We all have to realize that he world is changing every single day. Some traditions that seemed to have stood the test of time, may finally be about to get tested once again. Whether or not they come out on top again, we will have to see. May the best cardinal for job be chosen to become the next pope, regardless of his background.