Why Pope Francis Warned Against Magic and Superstitions in Papua New Guinea, by Leo Igwe

Pope Francis used his visit to South Asia and the Pacific to deplore witch-hunting in the region. I have been curious how he could effectively accomplish this task because catholic faith and witch-hunting belong to the same spiritual and supernatural universe. Witch persecution is codified in the Bible. And many Catholics believe that the Bible is the impeccable word of God. In my country, Nigeria, some catholic priests are witch- and demon hunters. They engage in witch-hunting as a part of their vocation and ministry.

Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s hotspots of sorcery-related violence. During his visit, the catholic pontiff used the opportunity to urge compassionate treatment of women, who are those mainly accused of witchcraft. That is quite commendable. But Francis said something that I found curious and still difficult to understand. He warned against superstition and magic in the country. Superstition and magic? Pope Francis noted that superstitious and magical beliefs were tarnishing the region. He urged the church to act with tenderness, closeness, and compassion towards women especially those marginalized and wounded as a result of prejudice and irrational beliefs. 

Since I read this Francis’ patronizing declaration, many questions have agitated my mind. They include: What does he mean by magic and superstition? Is the catholic church not founded on magic and superstition? Is the church not a teacher, preacher, and promoter of magic and superstitions? The church teaches that God, the Jesus Christian god, exists. That the devil, spirits, and angels exist. 

The church teaches that heaven and hell exist. Are these not forms of superstition? Catholics believe that Jesus was born of a virgin. Do virgins give birth? That Jesus later died, resurrected, and then ascended into heaven. Is that not magic? How can a human being be born of a virgin? How was the baby conceived? How can a dead person resurrect? And now to cover the lie, they used another lie, they claimed that he ascended into heaven. Is that not magical? 

Pope Francis ignored catholic magic and superstition while rallying against others, against magic and superstitions in Papua New Guinea. This is typical of missionary catholic relationships with other faiths and cultures. It is a case of a superstition denouncing other superstitions. A magical belief system discrediting other magical belief forms. Some would argue that Pope Francis only warned against magic and superstition that caused moral and physical harm. Do catholic magic and superstitions not cause harm? Are catholic magical and superstitious teachings not used to deny women their reproductive rights, and persecute homosexuals?

Thus Francis lacks the moral standing to warn against other magic and superstitions in Papua New Guinea because the catholic church, that he represents is also a custodian of harmful magic and superstitions.

 At best, such warnings are only attempts to delegitimize other faiths and superstitions and enthrone ‘pax catholica’, catholic magic, and superstitions.

Leo Igwe directs Critical Thinking Social Empowerment Foundation