In the days of yore, the days of discovery, exploration and empire, Africa was known as the Dark Continent. Today, as the so-called developed world falls into shadow, the continent of Africa is becoming a beacon of light and a source of hope. From an EWTN program called “The Vocation Boom,” this statistic:
African Catholic Seminarians
1950s – 2,000
1985 – 7,000
Today – 27,000
I had hoped for a southern direction for the Pope Emeritus’ replacement: Cardinal Arinze, who knows and understands the difficulties of families better than anyone, but Cardinal Kasper’s shocking remark about African bishops during the synod revealed European ignorance of, and prejudice against, Africans. That may explain why this erudite, compassionate, and wise man was overlooked when the College looked westward for a new pope.