New Pope next month 

Mukudzei Chingwere at the VATICAN CITY, Italy

The Roman Catholic will have a new Pope next month, a senior figure in the church has said.

Pope Francis was laid to rest on Saturday, thereby marking the end of an eventful 12 years at the helm of the church.

In an interview, Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference secretary general, Father Tryvis Moyo said each servant of God is called to fulfil their own calling, adding that the next Pope should not be expected to follow in Pope Francis’ footsteps.

“We lost a leader who was giving our lives direction. He was accompanying us with his prayers,” said Father Moyo.

He said the church should pray for the selection process to yield the best man for the job, adding that the process is already underway.

“They start having meetings that are in preparation for the gathering that will then vote for another Pope,” Father Moyo explained.

“When the days of mourning are over, the conclave begins.

“Mind you, the cardinals have not been meeting, so they do not know each other. They will have to get to know one another in these meetings. It’s a time for them to inform each other and pray together.

“They will then choose Pope Francis’ successor. Hopefully, it won’t last long – maybe in the next two weeks from the day we close the mourning.”

He added, “What I am already hearing from the people is will the candidate pursue what Pope Francis was doing? I think when we do that, we are putting pressure on the next Pope,” he said.

“God has always worked through personalities, and personality also counts for the one who will be elected.

“What will remain constant are our fundamental beliefs. All we can do now, as the church in Zimbabwe, is to accompany those gathering for the election with our prayers, trusting that God will provide us with a good shepherd.

“Whether the shepherd will be like Pope Francis is another matter, but we will be given a shepherd.”

Speaking on Zimbabwe’s participation and Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga’s presence at Pope Francis’ funeral and general commiserations with the broader church in its hour of grief, Father Moyo said this is evidence of excellent relations between the Vatican and Zimbabwe.

He said this year the church will also have Jubilee celebrations, which is an opportunity for spiritual renewal and forgiveness.

“The Pope wears two hats, he is both the Head of State and the shepherd or pastor of God’s flock,” said Father Moyo.

“The presence of VP Chiwenga is a testament to the cordial relations that exist between the Vatican State and the State of Zimbabwe.

“Right now, we are in the year of the Jubilee, and the Government of Zimbabwe is invited to the Vatican,” he said.

“President Mnangagwa assured us that they will participate, so it is another level of collaboration.

“As a member of the church, the Vice President has said it is a form of gratitude.”