Following the death of Pope John Paul II, a Nigerian has emerged as the dark horse (nice pun) in the race for the papacy. Cardinal Francis Arinze (72) is tipped by bookmakers as the 11/4 favourite to become the first black pope in history.
Though Bandra’s Ivan Dias was given a slim four per cent chance (1/25) by the bookies, another cardinal contender from India, Kerala’s Archbishop Varkey Vidyathil told Mid Day that any one of the 117 cardinals who can vote have a chance of becoming pope.
Archbishop Vidhyathil, who is leaving for Rome early this morning, is among the three contenders from India.
The other two are Cardinal Ivan Dias (69) from Mumbai and Cardinal Telesphore Toppo (63) from Ranchi.
Archbishop Vidhyathil, who was yesterday put up at the Santacruz residence of Johnson Therattil, president of the Kerala Catholic Association, said an Indian as pope was certainly an attractive idea.
“All religions have originated in India. An Indian pope will be conversant with them,” he stressed.
Vidhyathil also put forward some ideas that, if implemented by an Indian pope, would mark a break with church tradition. He said the celibacy rule for priests could be relaxed.
“Nobody should be forced to stay unmarried,” he pointed out, before balancing his statement with “however, if married, his efficiency will be reduced as he won’t have as much time for people as an unmarried priest.”
He also said the idea of abortion was acceptable in cases where it involved saving a woman’s life. “If the woman is suffering from cancer of the uterus, abortion should be made permissible,” he noted.
Vidhyathil also said he favoured decentralisation of power. “More powers should be given to bishops across all countries. This will help in better work output,” he added.
On homosexuality, though, his stand is firm as the church’s: a big no.
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