Abakaliki, Nigeria – The Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Peter Chukwu, has said that there would not be any nationality consideration in choosing a successor to late Pope Francis.
Chukwu made the assertion in Abakaliki while speaking to newsmen on Sunday on the backdrop of the late pontiff’s burial, noting that God will produce the next pope.
The bishop said that there were laid down procedures for electing a new pope and after the the nine-day mourning period, the replacement process will commence.
“The cardinals would enter the consistory for intense prayer and balloting where they would be asked to name whom they want for the position.
“The choice will be made from names which appear most in the choices.
“The main thing is electing someone who will effectively take over the baton and steer the church to the direction God wants.”
He stressed that there were no nationality or political consideration to the selection as God, not humans, controls the process.
“When the bishops gathered to pray over the late Pope Benedict’s successor, God showed us the image of a child.
“We didn’t understand this mystery until the late Pope Francis emerged.
“We then realised that God was preparing our minds to accept a humble person as a pope.”
Chukwu urged Catholics and Christians all over the world to pray for the peaceful repose of the late Pontiff’s soul as elevated humility and compassion to an art form.
“The late Pope might had received international acclaim for his love for humanity but he was still a frail human.
“He was not perfect as we all make mistakes through our talks, thoughts, actions and inactions.
“We should ask God to forgive his shortcomings and remember the passion with which he served humanity around the world without discrimination.”
