Does the choice of Pope reflect racism in the Catholic church?

[billbuckhead]

Aren't most of the church's followers in the third world?

[mmonk]

1. The answer is no

The traditionalists were in position to elect one of their own and they did. The Church is made of more racial backgrounds than just about any other I know of.

[Sean Reynolds]

2. Would you vote for a black Republican over a white Democrat?

If you voted for the white Democrat, does that make you a racist?

[UdoKier]

7. The point is not that Ratzinger is white, it's that he's an ex-nazi.

Nothing wrong with a white pope, or a black one.

[Sean Reynolds]

10. Or people forced into Nazism.

[expatriot]

3. I was very excited about the initial rumor that it was a Chilean, but alas

the Catholic Church is still very Euro-centric.

[NYC2099]

4. only for now....the next pope will definately be from the 3rd world....

[cruadin]

6. How could you possibly know that?

[UdoKier]

5. No. It shows the utter tone-deafness of a couple hundred cardinals.

They ignore their parishioners on the molestation issue, on contraception, and now they pick an ex-nazi. Whatever.

[Xithras]

8. There have been black popes.

Before North Africa fell to the Muslims, there were three black popes from there (all of whom are Saints today). I don't think it's so much racism as philosophy...the third world Cardinals tend to hold views that some in the church find controversial, so it doesn't get them many votes. Ratzinger already had a huge following at the Vatican, so there wasn't time for these candidates to drum up the support they would have needed to be elected pope.

[slackmaster]

9. It reflects every kind of "-ism" and phobia you can name

The RCC is racist, sexist, ageist, classist, homophobic...

Aren't most of the church's followers in the third world?

That's right billbuckhead, and analysts are saying the church isn't "ready" for a Latino or Asian or African Pope "yet".

Congratulations, my friend. You may have found something on which you and I can agree.

[Maru Kitteh]

11. Only insomuch as it reflects TOTAL INTOLLERANCE for all

progressive ideals.

[iconoclastNYC]

12. Your poll is badly worded

Some may not be answering the intended question.

[entanglement]

13. No, it shows the Vatican's pragmatism

Most Catholics live in the third world but most of the money the Vatican gets comes from Europe and America and I'm sure they considered choosing a third-world person as Pope 'risky'. Of course, no one will admit as much. Some well-meaning DUers actually thought a 3rd world pope would be elected and flatly rejected reasons about why it wasn't going to happen; I hope they understand now.