Fresh from last Sunday’s inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese joined Channels Television’s Political Paradigm to reflect on his experience and share his thoughts on the new pontiff’s potential impact in Africa and beyond.
He also commented on the evolving roles of religious, traditional, and political leaders in Nigeria and the importance of collective contribution to national progress.
When asked about the significance of world leaders—African and otherwise—gathering in Rome for the papal inauguration, Bishop Kukah observed that the Vatican is more than a spiritual center; it’s a global stage where high-stakes diplomacy unfolds. He recalled how, during Pope Francis’s funeral, leaders as diverse as Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump seized moments amid solemn ceremonies to engage in crucial discussions. Such gatherings underscore the Vatican’s role as a “massive moral space,” where even adversaries may find themselves seated side by side under alphabetical seating protocols—sometimes leading to surprising encounters.
Kukah noted that the Pope has long been viewed as a moral compass for world affairs. Proximity to the pontiff often signifies a leader’s moral stature, so Nigeria’s President attending Leo XIV’s inauguration—shaking hands and sharing a few words with the new Pope, both Chicago expatriates—marked a historic first for the country.
On calls for an African pope, Kukah quipped, “Let’s win the World Cup first.” He stressed that papal elections aren’t determined by a “rotation” or “turn-by-turn” system (“Emilokan”), nor are they the result of human calculations or manifestos. With 133 cardinals voting—many of whom barely know one another—the process relies, Catholics believe, on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Even seasoned churchmen are often surprised by the outcome.
Addressing expectations for Pope Leo XIV’s influence on Africa, Kukah reminded viewers that while the pontiff can offer moral guidance—echoing his 2023 appeal for the international community to “take its hands off Africa”—he cannot govern how African states manage their own affairs. The Pope’s role is to inspire, not to intervene directly in national governance.
Turning to Nigeria’s intersection of religion and politics, Kukah traced tensions back to the colonial dismantling of precolonial power structures—particularly the Sokoto Caliphate—and the ensuing corruption of traditional institutions under British rule. He argued that modern Nigeria still grapples with those legacies: governors now appoint emirs, and religious identities have become politically charged. While the constitution prohibits a state religion, in practice, religion often shapes governance.
In his view, the Nigerian state must embrace a legal framework that draws on Islamic, Christian, and traditional African values alike—ensuring all citizens are equal under one law. He also highlighted the distinct roles of traditional rulers versus religious leaders: the former are political appointees without necessarily being spiritual authorities, whereas bishops and imams hold both moral and sacramental responsibilities.
Concluding, Bishop Kukah urged genuine political will to depoliticize religious and traditional institutions, advocating instead for a balanced partnership between state, church, and community—one that serves the common good without allowing any institution to dominate the other.
