Why is the Catholic religion lead exclusively by Europeans?

Question

Why is the papacy left exclusively in European hands? Jesus wasn't European, and obviously neither is God.

Answer 1

The Catholic Church is led by cardinals from all over the world. The Pope just happens to be the Bishop of Rome and Rome just happens to be in Italy.

You're right, Jesus wasn't European. Neither was Peter, the first Pope, but he was still the Bishop of Rome.

Happy Easter. :-)

Answer 2

Well, because Europe was the major starting point for Christianity. It wasn't until the Romans embraced Christianity and the Catholic religion that it spread. And, of course, most of the new world was populated by European settlers who brought their religion with them. And most did not want to break their ties to what they viewed as the head of their church, the Pope. So, it is doubtful if the Catholic religion will ever be headquartered anywhere but the Vatican. Still though there maybe a Pope from the US or Mexico, etc. someday.

Answer 3

This is not an easy question to answer in a few lines. If you study history a lot, you would find out that Rome at the time of Christ was the dominate power in the world. The Roman Empire was everywhere, when Rome adopted the Christian religion it had control over Europe as well as parts of Africa. Also, most religions have a political reality, just look at what is happening today with regards to Islam. It is my firm belief that there should be a separation between church and state, and when there is not, you see a lot of evil happening.

Answer 4

Well, first of all, the Catholics and protestants I knew when I was growing up Mormon didn't think we were Christians - even though we believe in Christ. (I'm no longer Mormon, but I know how you feel) That's because they feel that only religions that believe in the trinity are Christians - Mormons believe in 3 seperate entities - God the father, Christ the son, and the Holy Ghost. Not a combination of all 3 that work together like the trinity. Personally the trinity never made much sense to me. Anyway, first of all, you need to talk to her alone - just tell her that whatever she believes is her right to believe but you didn't like the way she singled you out in class, and made a target out of you for the other kids. You are sorry you lost your cool, but you really would like it if she would just keep her opinions general and not target you specifically. By the way, is she teaching a religion class or a history/english class? If she is not teaching religion, your parents need to have a talk with the school administrators too - she is overstepping her bounds. Anyway, my final bit of advice is this: Don't try to convince her of anything. She will not change, she has been this way for years and will continue to be this way. Your beliefs are your beliefs, not someone elses, and you don't need to worry what others think of them. Having faith means that sometimes you go through trials for believing what you do. That's part of being a member of any religion. Just hold your head high, and don't give into the temptation to argue about it. If someone asks you about your beliefs, just tell them what you believe, but don't let people bait you into arguments or fights. Everyone believes different things. That's what makes us all unique. Accept it and move on. Don't let some overzealous teacher make you upset. Have the calm and composure to not care what she says.

Answer 5

I presume yo to mean that the popes are mostly European. While that is true today, it was always not so. in the early days of the Church, some were from Africa and other places. The first pope was from Galilee (St. Peter). Although the popes are mostly European, the Roman Curia is not so. This group of cardinals includes bishops from all over the world, and they have much input into the workings of the Church. Since the Church was made for ALL peoples of all generations throughout all of history, the Church too, expands throughout the earth throughout all time. The Catholic religion remains, and will always be Jesus' Church, the popes and hierarchy are there to merely maintain what has been handed down to them throughout the centuries. They are guardians of, not inventors of, the deposit of Faith. So your question is based on a false premise.

Answer 6

If we know our history,

The Roman Empire in the 1st century AD was then the major world power covering a very BIG part of the known world at that time. Of course, the capital was Rome. Now, all roads in the Empire were in one way or another, connected to Rome. So from Rome, you had virtual access to the then known world. You could ride on horse to Greece. Get a boat to Africa. Caravan to Spain, etc.

Because of Rome's location, this allowed the early Christians a base to evangelize because they could have access to the world and the people who lived there. So, the merchants, soldiers, traders, etc. from Britain, Germany, Egypt, Israel, Greece, and so on, who went to Rome may have been evangelized and converted to Christianity in their stay in Rome.

So when these guys went home they spread the faith , built Christian schools, monasteries, etc for their people and that's why Europe is mostly Christian.
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Later on, in the 15th century, some kings in Europe were power hungry and decided to colonize other countries or make contact with them. Some of the civilians who were brought on these trips as bakers for the ships, janitors, soldiers, etc made friends with the locals or contacted them and theses locals spread the faith as well to their fellow countrymen which is why South America, North America, the Philippines, Australia, etc. which used to be under the Europeans' power or allies of the powers are now Christian.

God Bless,

Answer 7

It is because of the history of Christianity. It was a Roman emperor who made the little known cult into the world religion. He needed some sort of extra control over the then failing empire.

For many years the only nationality of the Pope was Italian. You are right - Jesus was a Jew, therefore of middle east.

All modern forms of Christianity stem from ether Catholic or Eastern Orthodox.

Answer 8

Probably because the origins of the Catholic religion are in Rome (a city in a European country).

Answer 9

The uncomfortable fact is the modern Christianity is a Roman religion, or founded by Rome. The Christian faith was made mainstream in about 318 when it was recognized officially as a legitimate religion by Rome. Then in 325 at the Counsel of Nicea, which was called by and presided over by Constantine, there was a debate over the "Nature of Christ" discussing/debating who he was, was he "God in the Flesh" etc.. There was also much debate over the Trinity doctrine. In the end they established basic doctrine still held today. The Nicaean Creed is still recited today in the Catholic, Methodist , Presbyterian and many other churches often referred to as the Apostles Creed.

These early Romans then compiled what many protestants today refer to as the "Word of God". It was compiled with the doctrine established at the Counsel of Nicea as the primary criteria.

Answer 10

You are talking about a type of religion, in this case the Roman Catholic Church was founded by the Roman empire (Italy-Europe). However after the death of John Paul II one of persons who was and strong candidate to become the new Pope was from South America.