The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has stressed that choosing a Pope is guided by divine inspiration, not political or regional demands.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm after attending the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, Kukah reflected on the importance of the papal role, the influence of religious leaders, and the responsibilities of African politicians.
He described the Vatican as a key center for global moral diplomacy, where world leaders engage quietly during papal events. Kukah highlighted the historic presence of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration—the first time a sitting Nigerian president has attended such an event—and noted a symbolic moment when Tinubu spoke with Pope Leo XIV, both sharing ties to Chicago.
Addressing calls for an African Pope, Kukah dismissed the idea as unrealistic, saying, “Let’s win the World Cup first.” He explained that the papal election isn’t about “turn-taking” or politics but is ultimately guided by the Holy Spirit. With 133 cardinals voting—many of whom don’t know each other—the process avoids politicking and personal agendas.
Kukah argued that Africa’s progress does not depend on having a Pope from the continent, but on the honesty and capability of its own leaders. Referring to Pope Francis’s 2023 visit to Congo, Kukah recalled the Pope urging the international community to stop interfering in Africa’s affairs—a moral stance, not political intervention.
He also clarified that while a Pope can be African, once elected, the Pope represents the entire global Church, not any one region or country.
On Nigeria’s religious and political challenges, Kukah warned against mixing religion and state. He traced tensions in Northern Nigeria to colonial disruptions of traditional power, noting the ongoing impact. While Islam aimed to build a theocracy, Christianity introduced a more liberal approach allowing individual growth. Yet, Nigeria’s political system has struggled to separate religion from governance, with constitutional protections largely ignored.
Kukah cautioned against ethnic and regional demands in leadership, urging leaders to govern fairly for all citizens under one law, whether inspired by Islam, Christianity, or African traditions.
He also discussed the role of traditional rulers, noting they hold cultural but not spiritual authority. Unlike bishops, who earn theological credentials, traditional rulers often gain and lose power through political influence, a problem in Nigeria’s modern state.
Finally, Kukah warned against further politicizing traditional institutions, citing legal disputes in countries like Ghana, and urged careful thought before changing constitutional arrangements that could upset Nigeria’s delicate balance of governance.
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