Kellogg Faculty Fellow Father Paulinis Odozor was recently featured in the article “Africa was Vital to Francis’s Papacy - and will shape the church’s future” by The Washington Post.

During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis visited Africa five times with rapid growth of the Catholic Faith around the continent. As talk of the origins of the next Pope arise, there remains hesitancy due to strong stances on LGBTQ+ issues, with one African Bishop likening same-sex marriage to ‘witchcraft.’

This, alongside questions about polygamous relationships, has left many in a gray area over their understanding of Church doctrines.

Father Odozor states that in meetings ahead of the conclave, many church leaders will emphasize the importance of clarity on church doctrine, including on issues of same sex-blessing.

Read the full article here.

Father Odozor is a professor of theology and Africana Studies with scholarly interests in foundational issues in moral theology and Christian ethics.