Pope Francis’ words in favor of same-sex civil unions could undermine his credibility in the eyes of the Catholics of the African continent, according to what Chadian anthropologist Hoinathy Remadji wrote for the French Christian website Journal Chrétien. In his opinion, the views expressed by the pope in “Francesco,” a documentary film by director Evgeny Afineevsky, would seriously risk demolishing his authority and even alienating many believers.
Lost faithful
“The Pope’s speech didn’t leave indifferent on the African continent – said the anthropologist – The very few people I had the opportunity to chat with are all upset. People are lost. If you want the truth, the faithful African Catholics are lost.”
According to Remadji, the unease of the African faithful is concrete and palpable and arises precisely from the words of the pope, which have cracked many beliefs of Catholics. It could not be otherwise, given that, as the scholar points out, the Catholic Church has for years been a bulwark of defense against homosexuality, a practice that, as Remadji points out, many Africans still consider unnatural. So the pontiff’s opening to same-sex civil unions would be a novelty that undermines the very foundations of the Church and, consequently, also the convictions of its faithful.
Doubts about the pope
“I don’t know where this position of the pope comes from,” wrote Remadji, unable to hide his own bewilderment: the Church, precisely through the words of its highest representative, is preparing to give in to pressure from the West, pushing for recognizing LGBT rights in Africa? The anthropologist says he doesn’t know, but the tones of his examination show how unwilling he is to accept a possible change that is still very smoky.
The scholar demands prompt clarifications. According to him, the pontiff can and must give explanations to those who for so long placed hope and trust in the Church: the faithful and Remadji himself, argues the anthropologist, need answers to have at least a little confidence again in the Church.
Nicole Zaramella
translation by Pier Cesare Notaro
©2020 Il Grande Colibrì
images: elaborations from gasolina61 (CC0) / from A.Davey (CC BY 2.0)
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