Death of Pope Francis reignites debate on African spirituality

The Citizen

24-04-2025

While Catholics around the globe grieve the loss of their spiritual leader, others question the enduring pull of Western religion in African communities.
A sculpture made by Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik depicting Pope Francis as a mark of tribute following the news of his death. Picture: AFP
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. Francis, the 266th pope, served for 12 years.
While not being a Catholic, I know not of his pontificate successes and failures. I have removed myself from any interest unless it found itself as breaking news.
My aim is to not draw any conclusion on the legitimacy of his reign, the importance of his role and character.
Now, the man has died. Those who have fully immersed themselves in the Roman Catholic doctrine are mourning his death and somehow feel that a pillar of their faith has been shaken.
Scores of Catholics and well-wishers are expected to pay their respects to the beloved spiritual leader before he is laid to rest on Saturday.
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Now again the topic creeps in as to why black people are subscribing to the notion of western faith.
The question again as to why people of colour are not moving away from the idea that their faith should be rooted in African beliefs as opposed to that of Christianity as we know it.
This, again? The South African constitution allows for the celebration and preservation of different forms of personal expression, traditional and cultural praise and worship.
I'm of the Methodist faith. I personally don't believe in seers and ancestors. These beliefs should never, not even for a moment, hold others to account to me, whether in seeking my approval, or in their validation as acceptable forms of worship and praise.
Yet, when the Christians mourn, they are questioned as to what aligns them to this faith. From where does this audacity to question the faith of others come from?
The problem of the African child is that perhaps we do not see the line that has been drawn in the sand.
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We do not know and understand the concept of limitation – such things do exist in the personal business of people and even celebrities.
Some folk are too quick to point fingers in judgment of others, when their own backyards are littered with skeletons of their own.
What happened to live and let live? Today, society is so consumed by the daily business of others that they forget to concentrate on issues that do matter.
How can you focus on government corruption, crime and the violation of your own human rights, when your mind is polluted with a determination of who people ought to be in their private capacity?
Live and let live people. While you're at it, respect cultural and religious differences.
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