Reno Omokri, a renowned gospeller, deep thinker, and bestselling author, sheds light on the lack of diversity in the leadership of the Catholic Church. As a proud Nigerian and member of the Itsekiri people, who were among the first to embrace Catholicism in Nigeria, Omokri expresses his sentiments about the recent election of Pope Leo XIV.
The vast majority of Catholics are not of European origin; they are of Black African, native South American, and Asian ancestry. Yet, for over a thousand years, the Catholic Church has not had a Pope of non-Caucasian origin. This glaring disparity raises questions about the Church’s commitment to inclusivity and representation.
Omokri passionately appeals to the Catholic Church, saying, “Please give Black Africans and Africans in the diaspora hope that they are not just ‘fetchers of water and hewers of wood in the House of God’ as Joshua said to the Gibeonites in Joshua 9:23.” He emphasizes that a Black or Brown Pope would help dispel doubts about the Church being a European old boys’ club focused on political domination and economic exploitation of other races.
Highlighting the historical connection between his people and the Catholic Church, Omokri notes that his ancestor, Olu Oyenakpagha, wrote to Pope Clement X in 1652 requesting additional Catholic priests for the Iwere Kingdom. This letter is preserved in the Vatican, demonstrating the long-standing relationship between the Itsekiri people and the Church.
Omokri also draws parallels with the Anglican Church, pointing out that Nigeria has more Anglicans than England, yet has never had a non-White, non-British Archbishop of Canterbury. He questions whether Black and Brown people are forever destined to be followers in these Euro-centric churches.
In conclusion, Omokri notes that the Redeemed Christian Church of God is growing faster than the Catholic and Anglican churches, possibly because some Black people feel their opportunities are limited within these organizations and are voting with their feet. As he puts it, “Are Black and Brown people condemned to be forever followers in these Euro-centric churches and never followers?”