Non–European or Asian Pope a Reality: Cardinal Toppo

New Delhi – According to Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo, the Archbishop of Ranchi and the first tribal in Asia to be included in the College of Cardinals that elects the Pope, the time is not very far where the possibility of having a non–European or even an Asian Pope can become a reality.

"The way things are moving, the Roman Catholic Church has now reached a stage where it may not be impossible for it to have a non–European or even an Asian Pope," said Cardinal Toppo, during a recent interview.

Toppo, who as Cardinal is eligible to be a candidate for the papacy, however, declined to comment whether an Asian might succeed the present Pope, John Paul II, as head of the Catholic Church.

"There is no use speculating. The papal election is guided by the Holy Spirit," he said.

To elect a Pope, Cardinals from the world over meet at the Vatican for a week–long Conclave during which they remain closeted in prayer and meditation before creating a panel of candidates. After the panel is created, pieces of paper containing the names are burnt in a stove. While the pieces of papers emitting black smoke are rejected, the candidate whose name appears on the paper that emits white smoke is made the Pope.

Over the past few centuries, Popes had traditionally been Europeans, more specifically Italians, the favorites being the Bishops of Milan, Naples and Genoa.

However, a deviation was made about 25 years ago with the election of Karol Wojtyla, Bishop of Krakow, Poland, as Pope John Paul II.