Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, is embroiled in a controversy once again stemming from an undated video taken during a 2019 Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square. In this video currently going viral on X, formerly Twitter, the Pope can be seen greeting various bishops and cardinals, but when a black bishop approaches, seeking to kiss his hand as a sign of respect, the Pope’s reaction raises concerns.
The black bishop has been identified as Cardinal Jean-Pierre Kutwa, the archbishop of Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Some have been sharing this video and asking whether Pope Francis, who is blasting the United States over climate change inaction and climate change deniers, is a racist?
The incident, which has sparked outrage and criticism, has led many to question the inclusivity and commitment to racial equality within the Catholic Church. Some have even gone so far as to label the church as a Satanist organization with a racist leader.
The video, though undated, has garnered significant attention on social media platforms, with users expressing disappointment and anger over the Pope’s dismissive gesture towards the black bishop. Calls for an explanation and an apology have been mounting, as people demand clarity on this troubling incident.
However, contrary to initial claims, iHarare has established that the video does not depict Pope Francis “pushing away” the black bishop. Instead, it shows the Pope withdrawing his hand when any of the bishops attempt to kiss his ring. This action is consistent with the Pope’s expressed preference, as he views it as a sign of humility and closeness to the people. It is essential to clarify that this gesture has been extended to individuals of diverse races and backgrounds, not just the black bishop.
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Furthermore, Pope Francis has consistently spoken out against racism and discrimination, categorizing them as “sins” that violate human dignity. He has urged Catholics to actively combat racism and promote a culture of encounter and dialogue. The Pope has demonstrated support for movements such as Black Lives Matter, emphasizing that “we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form.”
Pope Francis having fun this morning, to point of becoming a circus performer himself.
In addition to the video controversy, another incident has added to the ongoing scrutiny of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis hosts an annual Circus Wednesday show, a tradition established by Pope Paul VI in 1970. This event aims to show appreciation and solidarity with circus performers and itinerant workers, who often face hardships and marginalization.
It is important to note that the Circus Wednesday show does not take place within the Vatican itself, but in the Paul VI Audience Hall, a separate building outside the Vatican walls. This event is not a religious ceremony but a cultural showcase of various forms of entertainment from around the world.
While Pope Francis has not directly addressed the controversy surrounding the Circus Wednesday show, he has consistently defended the role of art and culture in the church, describing them as “a privileged way of announcing the Gospel.” He encourages Catholics to appreciate the beauty and diversity of God’s creation, emphasizing that “each culture expresses its faith in its own way.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, observers worldwide are keenly watching how the Vatican and Pope Francis will respond to the allegations of racism and the concerns raised by these recent events, both within and outside the Catholic Church.
Source iHarare
