By Sunny A. David, Awka

Bishop Matthew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, has downplayed calls for an African Pope, saying the process is not a matter of “Emilokan” (a Nigerian term implying a perceived right or entitlement).

Speaking after attending the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Kukah compared the election of a Pope to winning the World Cup.

He emphasized that it’s not a matter of simple turn-taking. “Electing a Pope is not like ‘Emilokan’,” he stated.

“it’s not about someone claiming it’s their turn.

“Not a rotational system, but a spiritual process guided by the Holy Spirit.

“Bishop Kukah downplays calls for an African Pope, saying Africa has a long way to go.

“Kukah jokingly suggests Africa should focus on winning the World Cup first.

“Unpredictable and not based on human calculations, but divine will.”