How Would the Press React to an African Pope?

For about 30 seconds I wondered how the mainstream press would react to the election of a pope from Africa. Would it take even a day to give the church some congratulations on making its global mission more obvious and visible to the world? And for so quickly — in decades — moving from a papacy that had been dominated by Italy to an office open to the first world, or to anyone.

Well, the New York Times has an article on the “meaning” of Africa’s rising share of the Catholic Church. And . . . all that matters is whether the Times perceives the candidate as affirming church teaching on sexual morality, or is likelier to use rhetorical, or pastoral, tactics to undermine or change this teaching.

About the Author

Michael Brendan Dougherty

Michael Brendan Dougherty is a senior writer at National Review Online.

Featured Tags

For about 30 seconds I wondered how the mainstream press would react to the election of a pope from Africa. Would it take even a day to give the church some congratulations on making its global mission more obvious and visible to the world? And for so quickly — in decades — moving from a papacy that had been dominated by Italy to an office open to the first world, or to anyone.

Well, the New York Times has an article on the “meaning” of Africa’s rising share of the Catholic Church. And . . . all that matters is whether the Times perceives the candidate as affirming church teaching on sexual morality, or is likelier to use rhetorical, or pastoral, tactics to undermine or change this teaching.