By Samson Adeyanju
The National Director of Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr Michael Nsikak Umoh, has cautioned against politicizing the papal election with divisive labels such as “African Pope” or “Italian Pope.”
In a strongly worded statement, Fr Umoh warned that such media-driven categories are unhelpful, misleading, and fundamentally opposed to the universal nature of the Catholic Church.
He described them as uncatholic, spiritually hollow, and reflective of the kind of political thinking that should not find its way into Church matters.
“Our Church must be spared the Nigerian emilokan political tendencies,” he declared, stressing that only the Holy Spirit should guide the election of Peter’s successor.
Fr Umoh urged Catholics to trust the judgment and conscience of the Cardinal electors rather than lobbying for continental representation.
“Even if Africa were given the opportunity to produce a candidate, we know what would happen,” he added, alluding to potential internal divisions.
Calling for unity and prayer, he said, “Let us pray for the Church and leave the rest to God and those he has appointed to manage the process. Come Holy Spirit, and rekindle in us the fire of your love.
