Essay Twenty-Three

Holy Sh*t!

As it turns out, there may have been a few Black popes in history. A Google search revealed three men who held the title back in the day.

Pope St. Victor won the gig in 189 A.D. His accomplishments included establishing a set date for celebrating Easter. He died a martyr in 199.

Pope St. Militiades served from 311-314 A.D. St. Augustine gave him serious props, calling Pope St. Militiades, “a son of peace and father of Christians.”

Pope St. Gelasius served from 492-496 A.D. His accomplishments included rescuing Rome from famine and composing a book of hymns (definitely pre-gospel music).

The minor controversy here involves the lack of photos or hard evidence. While these popes may have had African roots, that doesn’t necessarily mean they were Black. But let’s presume they were and celebrate the groundbreaking reigns.

Then let’s also realize the Catholic Church is more liberal and progressive than the advertising industry — at least when it comes to diversity. Damn!

[Special thanks to Sister Chiara for input on this posting.]