The Holy Father at last is dead
Who will succeed him
Who will be the next pope
Francis Arinze?
I dare say he will
First swarthy pontiff
Nigerian on a seat raised high
Negro father of the whole world.
All hail Francis Arinze
Soon to be pope
Prophesy as sure as sunrise
From a hallowed east.
I loved Karol Woytila
He was a patron of peace
But I will love Francis as well
My brother and kin.
He will shepherd souls
Like the Saviour himself
With the keys of Peter
He will enter them to heaven.
I do pray to Celestial forces
Move the hand of God
Let Francis approach the cathedral
Let him be pope.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Yes, how good for Africa, the continent of the 21st century. It will be a test for the College of Cardinals - have they the insight, or will they play safe and close to home? I hope you have your wish granted, Samuel - and if not, well, God knows best!