As the world watches the Vatican prepare for a new era, the question of who will follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis looms large. Among the potential successors is Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the archbishop of Kinshasa, Congo. However, his views on LGBTQ+ issues have already sparked significant controversy.
In a recent statement from the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, Cardinal Ambongo referred to homosexuality as an "abomination." This statement was in response to Pope Francis's progressive decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples, a move that has been met with mixed reactions worldwide.
Reactions to Progressive Changes
Within the African Catholic community, Ambongo's statement has caused "shockwaves," according to his remarks released on January 11, 2024. He emphasized that while people with a homosexual orientation should be treated with respect and dignity, the unions of same-sex couples remain contrary to church teachings and cannot be blessed.
The statement cites Biblical passages, notably from Leviticus, as foundational to these views, arguing that such passages explicitly prohibit homosexuality. Furthermore, Ambongo highlighted the cultural contexts in Africa, where traditional views on marriage and family make acceptance of same-sex unions particularly challenging.
Cultural and Religious Contexts
"Homosexuality does not exist in Africa outside of a few isolated cases," Ambongo reportedly stated at a rally in Kinshasa, as reported by La Croix, a French Catholic newspaper. These comments reflect a broader cultural sentiment in some African regions, where traditional values often clash with modern human rights advocacy.
Congolese media outlet Actualité noted that Ambongo reiterated his opposition in his 2023 Christmas message, asserting that while compassion towards individuals with homosexual tendencies is necessary, same-sex unions contradict both natural law and African culture.
Challenges and Criticisms
Not everyone agrees with Cardinal Ambongo’s views. Jérémie Safari, a leading figure in the Congolese LGBTQ rights group Rainbow Sunrise Mapambazuko, strongly criticized the cardinal's stance, labeling it as "very homophobic." Safari’s critique highlights the ongoing tension between traditional religious perspectives and the push for more inclusive attitudes.
Pope Francis's papacy was marked by a softer tone towards LGBTQ+ issues, despite not changing church doctrine. He described laws criminalizing same-sex relations as "unjust" and met with LGBTQ+ activists during his tenure. These actions have left many wondering if Francis’s successor will continue down this path.
The Conclave and Potential Successors
The conclave to select the next pope begins on May 7, with several other contenders in the running. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi from Italy, and Cardinal Peter Erdo from Hungary are also considered possible successors.
New Ways Ministry, a Maryland-based LGBTQ Catholic organization, expressed hope for a continuation of Francis's inclusive message, emphasizing the need for justice and equality in their April 21 statement.
However, not all voices within the Catholic community share this hope. Figures like Doug Mainwaring have openly called for a more traditionalist approach, highlighting Cardinal Robert Sarah as a potential candidate who aligns with such views.
Bill Donohue, President of the Catholic League, urged the cardinals to consider African candidates, suggesting that the continent holds "the most brilliant orthodox clergy in the world." According to Donohue, this choice would signal a return to traditional values.
As the Catholic Church stands at this crossroads, the decision made by the conclave will send a powerful message about its future direction. Whether the next pope will embrace a progressive stance similar to Pope Francis or revert to more conservative traditions remains to be seen.
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