In a thought-provoking interview, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has dismissed agitations for an “African Pope,” asserting that the papacy is a sacred calling inspired by the Holy Spirit, not a political entitlement to be lobbied for on the basis of race or region.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm following the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, Bishop Kukah cautioned against interpreting the election of a pope through the narrow prism of identity politics. “Electing a Pope is not an ‘Emilokan’ scenario,” he remarked pointedly, referencing the popular Nigerian political slogan meaning “it’s my turn.”
“Let Africa win the World Cup first,” Kukah quipped, underlining that symbolic milestones like the papacy should not overshadow the urgent need for internal transformation, governance reforms, and development within the African continent.
A Sacred Office, Not a Geopolitical Trophy
Bishop Kukah stressed that the process of choosing a Pope transcends national aspirations and political maneuvering. “The Holy Spirit has not failed the Church since the time of Peter,” he declared. According to him, while cardinals may cast votes, it is divine will that ultimately guides the outcome — not ethnicity, popularity, or seniority.
“There is no such thing as an ‘African Pope.’ You can have a Pope who is African, but he does not represent Africa; he governs the universal Church,” he clarified. “The papacy isn’t about racial representation. It is about spiritual stewardship.”
Kukah, who witnessed both the funeral of Pope Francis and the historic inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, described the Vatican as a “massive moral space” where diplomacy, dialogue, and spiritual symbolism converge. He highlighted how global leaders, including political rivals, often use such occasions to engage in discreet, high-level discussions — testament to the unifying moral power of the Catholic Church.
Commenting on President Bola Tinubu’s attendance at the papal inauguration — the first by a Nigerian president — Bishop Kukah called it a “moment of pride” for the country. “It symbolised Nigeria’s recognition of the Catholic Church’s global moral authority,” he said.
However, Kukah warned against mistaking such symbolic acts for solutions to Africa’s complex challenges. He urged African leaders, citizens, and religious figures to focus less on representation at global stages and more on delivering tangible results at home.
The fiery cleric did not hold back in addressing the continent’s woes. “It is not the Pope’s job to fix the failures of the Nigerian or African state. That’s not his business,” Kukah said firmly. “I’m a proud Nigerian. Nigeria is not Sudan, not Gaza, not Syria. We are a nation blessed with enormous resources that can take care of ourselves and even help our neighbours.”
He warned against the temptation to expect salvation from foreign figures or institutions. “While the Pope may offer moral guidance, it is Africans — not Rome — who must tackle corruption, mismanagement, and governance failures head-on.”
Recalling Pope Francis’s 2023 visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, during which he urged the international community to “take its hands off Africa,” Kukah affirmed that such interventions fall within the pontiff’s moral and diplomatic purview — but that doesn’t make the Pope a substitute for local leadership.
In a sweeping historical analysis, Bishop Kukah traced many of Nigeria’s and Africa’s sociopolitical tensions to the colonial subversion of indigenous power structures. He pointed to the British conquest of the Sokoto Caliphate in 1903 as a critical turning point, one that disrupted traditional authority and created fractures still felt today.
“Before the British, there were functioning empires and systems. The colonialists restructured these to suit their economic interests,” Kukah noted, adding that such disruptions contributed to ideological backlash seen today in groups like Boko Haram.
He criticised the Nigerian state for its failure to clearly define the relationship between religion and politics, despite constitutional provisions like Section 10, which prohibits the adoption of any state religion. “Islamic law, Christian values, and African traditions can inspire our laws,” Kukah said, “but all citizens must remain equal before a single legal standard.”
Turning to the increasingly politicised role of traditional rulers in Nigeria and West Africa, Kukah voiced concern over their eroding legitimacy. “Colonialism turned traditional rulers into tax collectors. Sadly, modern governance hasn’t done much to restore their dignity,” he lamented.
He also highlighted the distinction between traditional and religious leaders. “Unlike bishops or imams, traditional rulers don’t require theological training. Their selection often hinges on political goodwill — especially that of state governors,” he explained.
Citing the rising number of legal disputes over traditional thrones across West Africa, Kukah issued a stark warning: “We are riding a tiger. And I don’t know how we get off without ending up in its stomach.”
Bishop Kukah’s remarks are a clarion call for introspection, urging Africans to look inward and take charge of their destinies rather than seek validation from global platforms or figures. His message was clear: the future of Africa rests not in symbolic titles or foreign approval, but in courageous leadership, ethical governance, and an unyielding commitment to justice and equity.
“The real question is not when Africa will get a Pope,” Kukah said, “but when Africa will rise — on its own terms, with dignity, and with the courage to build nations worthy of their people.”
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