The Next Pope: Cardinal Arinze vs. Cardinal Okpalaeke – A Choice Between Experience and Youth
As we look toward the future of the papacy, there’s a growing conversation about two Nigerian cardinals – Cardinal Francis Arinze and Cardinal Peter Okpalaeke. Some people say Cardinal Arinze is too old to become pope, even though he is undoubtedly the most qualified. But then, what about Cardinal Okpalaeke? Are people going to argue that he’s too young for the role, or is now his time to shine?
Cardinal Francis Arinze: A Lifetime of Dedication
Cardinal Arinze was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II on May 25, 1985, and for decades, he’s been a guiding light for the Church. His experience is unparalleled – from his role as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments to his international influence, he’s done it all. His knowledge and wisdom are immense, and it’s hard to imagine anyone more qualified to lead the Church.
Yet, some argue that his age is a concern. While it’s true that he would be the oldest pope in recent history, his age also brings something precious – experience. In a time when the world faces so many challenges, that experience could be exactly what the Church needs.
Cardinal Peter Okpalaeke: The Young Hopeful
On the other hand, we have Cardinal Peter Okpalaeke, made a cardinal by Pope Francis on November 28, 2020. He’s young, energetic, and full of potential. If he were to become pope, he would break the record held by Pope John Paul I, becoming the youngest pope in modern times.
To give you some perspective, Pope John Paul I was made a cardinal on March 5, 1973, and just 5 years and 5 months later, he was elected pope. If Cardinal Okpalaeke follows a similar path, he could bring a new, vibrant energy to the papacy, inspiring future generations of Catholics. His youthful vigor and intelligence could provide the Church with a fresh perspective in a world that desperately needs it.
The Church’s Dilemma: Experience or Innovation?
So, here’s where the dilemma lies: Cardinal Arinze, with a lifetime of service and wisdom, or Cardinal Okpalaeke, with his boundless potential and youthful energy? The decision will likely come down to a balance of experience versus innovation, of the old guard versus new blood.
There’s no question that Cardinal Arinze has the qualifications and global stature to be pope. But Cardinal Okpalaeke represents the future – someone who could inject new life and vision into the papacy.
Race and the Papacy: Should Colour Stand in the Way?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Should the colour of Cardinal Arinze’s or Cardinal Okpalaeke’s skin be a reason to deny them the opportunity to become pope? It’s something that, unfortunately, often goes unspoken.
Historically, the papacy has been a very European-centric institution. But in today’s world, the Catholic Church is global, and Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in terms of Catholic populations. So, why should race be a factor in determining who leads the Church?
If Cardinal Arinze and Cardinal Okpalaeke are the best candidates for the papacy, then why should their race even be part of the conversation? Their qualifications, their faith, and their dedication to the Church should be what matters most. If Cardinal Arinze is the most experienced and Cardinal Okpalaeke is the future of the Church, then race should not hold them back.
A Church at a Crossroads
So, what will Rome decide? Will it be Cardinal Arinze, the wise and experienced candidate, or Cardinal Okpalaeke, the youthful and dynamic option? Both men offer something unique and valuable to the table.
For me, if Cardinal Arinze doesn’t become pope, then there’s no one else as qualified as Cardinal Okpalaeke to be part of the next conclave. Whether it’s age, wisdom, and experience, or youth, energy, and innovation, the Church will be in good hands with either of these remarkable men.
In the end, though, the Church needs to look beyond race. If these two cardinals are the best choices for the papacy, then their race should not be a factor in the decision. What matters is their ability to lead the Church with love, faith, and dedication.
The future of the Church is bright, and whichever direction the College of Cardinals takes, we can be sure that it will be a decision for the history books. The question remains – will we let race be a deciding factor, or will we look to the qualities that truly matter?
Curtesy: Igbo History
