Clergymen In Nigeria Should
Look Up To Pope Francis
3 days ago
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Editor’s note: On Tuesday, Pope Francis
stepped on the American soil for the first time
since his acclamation. No doubt, many
Nigerians are following the Pope’s movements
and actions, noting his austere lifestyle which
contrasts sharply with our extravagant “private
jet flying” pastors. The Naij.com
columnist , ‘Yomi Kazeem, draws parallels
between the Pope and clergymen in Nigeria,
highlighting why he could be a great example
– not just with regards to lifestyle, but also
with regard to playing a role in policy
discussions.
Pope Francis after leading an evening prayer
service Thursday, September 24, at St.
Patrick’s Cathedral in New York
Photo credit: Jason Decrow/AP (via CNN)
As he visits the United States of America for
the first time ever, Pope Francis is once again
in the spotlight as he has been since beginning
the papacy. Since becoming the leader of the
Catholic Church in March 2013, Pope Francis
has warmed his way into the heart of billions
across the world with his big heart, humility,
modern-day grasp of issues and bravery in
confronting and dealing with issues previously
deemed too sensitive to be resolved .
His popularity has seen him named Person of
the Year by Time Magazine and also appear
on the cover of urbane pop culture magazine,
Rolling Stone – a rarity for clergymen. His
actions have not been limited to famous
magazines, though, as the Pope has also been
strongly vocal and involved with global issues
such as climate change
Nigerian men of God can learn a lot from
Pope Francis
For clergymen in Nigeria, the Pope sets a great
example. Rather than limit the compelling
strength of his voice to issues concerning the
church alone, the Pope has been keen to serve
as a global thought leader playing key roles in
policy advocacy and formulation. In truth,
some Nigerian clergymen seek to play roles in
the wider polity in the nation, but too often, we
find that others choose silence in the face of
brazen impunity from leaders in Nigeria.
Even more depressing is the fact that, in some
cases, persons of questionable character and
integrity with largely corrupt tenures in public
offices are held up as role models and given a
hero’s welcome.
It is key to understand that history shows
clearly that some of the world’s leading lights
in civil rights movements and advocacy were
clergymen, hence, the argument around the
morality of clergymen getting involved in civil
advocacy is dead on arrival. Martin Luther
King Jnr and Malcolm X – two defining people
in America’s Civil Rights movement – were
known clergymen who did not shy away from
getting involved when they needed to.
Given the large congregation they command
and the reverence they enjoy, having clergymen
leading some advocacy causes in Nigeria
would yield more results than choosing
silence.
The real mission of the clergy
Critically though, on a personal level, the
appeal of Pope Francis stems mainly from the
man himself and a key attribute he possesses
and effortlessly emanates: humility.
Asides involvement in advocacy, the Pope’s
austere life is another example that can be
emulated. The religious leader of 1.2 billion
people, Pope Francis is a very powerful man
but one who serves as an exemplary reference
point for other religious leaders across the
world. Despite the power he wields, the Pope
remains modest — not by circumstance but by
choice — seemingly keen to have focus placed
more on his office than on the man who
occupies it; a stark contrast with some leading
clergymen in Nigeria.
Leading the wealthiest institution in the world
with access to riches that trump annual
revenues of some of the world’s leading
corporations, Pope Francis persistently
maintains an austere life. Around these parts,
where flamboyant extravagance is the norm,
the Pope’s modesty is extremely refreshing.
My Pope is the head of over 1.2billion
Catholics.
He doesn’t own a private jet
No car to his name
No house to his name
He loves the poor.
— BONARIO NNAGS (@bonario89)
September 23, 2015
Nigerians are a hugely religious people, and
clergymen play an immense role in shaping
views… but perhaps they can do more. Like
the Pope, they can become more dominant
thought leaders in public affairs and advocacy
thus creating a better Nigeria for the millions
who form their congregation, because
ultimately, a better Nigeria means a better
country for the millions of people they lead. At
the very least, they deserve that.
https://www.naij.com/564664-pope-francis-set-crucial-example-clergymen-nigeria.html
