Archbishop Stephen Brislin, a South African archbishop who was only recently promoted to a cardinal by Pope Francis, has expressed perplexity and confusion, about his forthcoming ascension to one of the top ranks of the Catholic Church.
In his words:
“I have been taken by surprise and to be honest, I feel very confused and bewildered at the moment.”
The Archbishop had added that he wished to follow the stellar example of previous cardinals.
Archbishop Brislin’s comments is coming after the pope chose 21 new cardinals, out of which 3 are African.
The other Africans include: Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla from Juba, South Sudan and Archbishop Protase Rugambwa of Tabora Archdiocese in Tanzania.
While the appointments are impressive, and a step in the right direction, there have been calls for even greater African representation in the Catholic church.
This was seen in January when remarks had been made that not one of the continent’s cardinals held major offices within the institution.
The ceremony to consecrate the newly appointed cardinals will hold by September end.
