Some people ask why the Catholic Church has had so many Italian Popes. And while that’s a fair question, jumping to the conclusion that it’s because the Holy Spirit is biased, or worse still, racist, is completely off the mark and goes against everything the Church teaches.

Let’s try to break this down.

Why Italy? Why Rome?

1. Rome Is Christianity’s HQ

From the earliest days, Rome has been the “capital” of the Church. It’s where St. Peter, the same Peter Jesus called the rock, set up his base and was eventually martyred. Since then, Rome became the seat of the Pope and the global center of the Catholic Church.

“Rome… the See of Peter, the Apostolic See, the Holy See… is the center of unity and the source of authority in the Church.”
– Inscrutabili Dei Consilio, Pope Leo XIII, 1878
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2. Italy and the Papacy Have Grown Up Together

The Pope isn’t just a spiritual figure. Historically, he’s been a political and cultural powerhouse too. Because of this, the papacy has played a major role in shaping Italian identity and culture.

“Italy owes much to the presence of Peter and his successors. It has deeply influenced Italian culture, art, and values.”
– Pope John Paul II, Speech to the President of the Italian Republic, 1998
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3. Rome Was the Logical Choice

Back in the day, when the Church was still young, it made sense to pick a Pope from close to home, Rome. Travel wasn’t easy, communication was slow, and having someone nearby just made things work better.

“At first, the Bishop of Rome was elected by the clergy and faithful of the city. Over time, the Roman clergy became more dominant in that process.”
– Catholic Encyclopedia, “Papal Elections”
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How Popes Were Chosen

The way Popes are elected has changed a lot over time.

• In the early Church, elections were more local and community-driven.
• After Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity, the Roman emperors sometimes interfered in elections.
• By the 11th century (1059 to be exact), the College of Cardinals got the exclusive right to elect Popes.

So yes, most Popes being Italian isn’t because of divine favoritism. It’s largely due to geography, logistics, and history.

“The right of electing the Pope was reserved to the Cardinals by the decree of Pope Nicholas II in 1059.”
– Catholic Encyclopedia, “Papal Elections”
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Is the Church Racist?: Hard No

Saying the Holy Spirit is racist totally misrepresents Catholic belief. The Church is crystal clear: racism is evil. This is not to say that it’s impossible to have Catholics who may have racist tendencies. But to conclude that the Holy Spirit or the Church is racist is way below the belt.

1. Every Human Life Has Equal Value

The Church believes we’re all made in the image of God. Racism denies that and divides the human family.

“Racism is a grave sin that violates human dignity and the unity of the human family.”
– Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis, 2013
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2. We’re One in Christ

Through baptism, all believers become one in Jesus. It doesn’t matter your race, tribe, or background.

“All are one in Christ Jesus… There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female.”
– Galatians 3:28, The Bible

“In Christ, every division is overcome… all forms of racism are a denial of the Gospel.”
– Nostra Aetate, Vatican II, 1965
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3. The Holy Spirit Loves Diversity

Actually, the Holy Spirit is the one who celebrates diversity the most—uniting people from every language, nation, and race under one faith.

“The Holy Spirit creates diversity in the Church… and unites us in communion.”
– Pope Francis, General Audience, June 2018
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Bottom Line?

• Most Popes have been Italian because Rome is the center of the Church and the process started there.
• The Holy Spirit is not racist. That claim goes against the heart of Catholic belief.
• The Church condemns racism completely and upholds the dignity of every human being.

If the Holy Spirit has raised Popes from Italy, it’s not favouritism, it’s providence working through history.

© Oselumhense Anetor, 2025

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