Pfleger Hoping Next Pope Is From Third-World Country
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Outspoken St. Sabina pastor Rev. Michael Pfleger said he would like to see cardinals pick someone from a third-world nation as the next pope.
WBBM Newsradio's John Cody reports Pfleger said the church has a unique opportunity as it begins the process of selecting a new pope.
"I would love to see somebody from a third-world country, and the reason I say that is because they would have an understanding of issues that I think are plaguing not just America, but the world; poverty, injustice, and war," he said.
Pfleger Weighs In On Papal Election
Pfleger joked that he's not in the running for the papacy.
"No, I really like living in Auburn-Gresham," he said.
Although technically a person doesn't have to be a Catholic cardinal to be elected pope –theoretically, any baptized male Catholic can be elected – no non-cardinal has been chosen since 1379.
Pfleger is the Chicago Archdiocese's representative for violence issues, in addition to his position as pastor at St. Sabina.
