Pope Francis is recognized for his efforts to combat the exploitation of marginalised communities, a legacy he has brought with him from his home country, Argentina, to his visit to Kinshasa. This report is provided by Okello Oculi.
The display of a diverse crowd during the visit was not confirmed as being broadcast in Buenos Aires. In the past, issues have arisen around the recognition of the Afro-Argentinean population, with some cases of passport denials documented.
The Americas' colonization and exploitation trace back to the 'Papal Bull': a decree dividing the lands between Portugal and Spain. This decree also justified the slave trade in Africa to replace the indigenous populations greatly diminished by distressing encounters with the colonizers.
Such historic precedents have caused some to voice the potential for lawsuits seeking reparations for crimes against humanity against the Vatican and American governments.
In 1988, Mariapia Fanfani, a former Italian president's spouse, organized a gathering in Rome with African non-Maghreb novelists and poets, as well as European immigrants from Southern Africa. The event's purpose remains unknown, but some speculate she was seeking recognition for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The event spotlighted Catholicism's global reach, which occurred on the stage where Pope John-Paul 23rd had blessed pilgrims from all over the world. Observers noted the apparent contrast between the Pope's charisma and the more prosaic demeanor of older Cardinals and the surrounding bureaucracy. Pope Francis's reform initiatives were also of interest during this event.
Liberation wars, with the exceptions of Muslim-majority Tunisia, Algeria, and Sudan, were led by those baptized Catholic. Prominent figures from these movements include Robert Mugabe from Zimbabwe; Samora Machel and Eduardo Mondlane from Mozambique; Patrice Lumumba of Congo; Amilcar Cabral of Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde. There were also rumors about Angola's Agustinho Neto being poisoned.
Mwalimu Nyerere was a passionate Catholic and the caretaker of Africa's Liberation Committee. His leadership guided people towards liberation from extensive exploitation and involuntary labor perpetuated, in part, by Catholic Portugal and Britain's dissenting Catholics. Some argue this should qualify those who undertook such monumental tasks for sainthood. Pope Francis is often called to assist the Catholic community in acknowledging and honoring these leaders' historic responsibilities.
As a young priest, Pope Francis witnessed brutal dictatorships across Latin America, circumstances that led to the creation of Liberation Theology. Bishops and priests advocating this theology were often targets of government-sanctioned violence.
Despite the policies of systemic oppression in South Africa and what is now Namibia, it was noted that the Vatican often seemed to overlook the silence or indifference of its European and African clergy.
The late Bishop Desmond Tutu, a noted anti-apartheid advocate, was recognized within the Anglican Church but not among the Catholic Clergy. This was noted as a point of contention. The continued silence of British and Euro-American firms towards allegations of physical harm and economic theft against Africa was also noted. The resources and fertile soils looted over past decades are often cited as part of this issue.
The current leaders of the United States and France, both predominantly Catholic countries, are also under scrutiny. Their nations host numerous companies mentioned in a United Nations Committee report accused of supplying weapons to multiple militias. These militias allegedly perpetrate violence, causing displacement in regions known for their rich mineral resources. Pope Francis acknowledged this problem during his visit, leading to calls for a Vatican-led conference on resource-based violence in Africa.
The persistent violence is often perceived as a barrier to post-colonial development in Africa. Some argue that Euro-American prosperity's continued reliance on exploitation and underdevelopment in Africa is not only unethical but also short-sighted. These parties point to successful trade between German industries and a rapidly developing China as an example of possible alternatives.
Drawing from his Jesuit faith, Pope Francis likely recognizes the loss of African potential due to the colonial restriction of education limited to religious teachings. It's suggested that the Vatican should take the initiative in implementing more comprehensive educational systems across Africa.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) showed promise under Mobutu Sese Seko, with projects like the ‘MISA LUBA’', a unique Congolese interpretation of the Catholic Mass, reaching international popularity in the New York music scene in 1971.
(Article by Prof Oculi from Abuja)
