New Pope needs balance

Pope John Paul II was officially laid to rest Friday.

The College of Cardinals will soon assemble at the Sistine Chapel to choose a successor.

The last time the cardinals met to select a pope was when the Cold War was at its peak, and when Caucasians dominated the Roman Catholic Church.

Since then many changes have evolved in the world, changes that will reflect how the new pope will be selected.

Among these changes are the rise of African and Latin American religious leaders, the religious tension between the West and the Muslim world, particularly the Middle East, and the sex scandals of many American priests.

Scientific and technological advances that conflict with traditional Catholic teachings has emerged as a challenge in the Roman Catholic Church.

These factors should be items on a checklist that determines the name to go on the ballot.

Although he will never be the leader John Paul II was, he should possess a combination of qualities.

He should speak fluent English and Italian to effectively communicate with Vatican officials, and of course, the world’s Catholics.

He should be a competent moderator. For another major challenge of the church lies in a deadly battle between nations and the measures chosen to fight these battles.

The next pope must continue the legacy that John Paul began. He worked very hard to create an open communication between Christians, Jews and Muslims. He made history in 2001, when he became the first pope to visit a mosque. His successor should strive to make history of his own.

Black colleges need

a master class in money management

Recently, Morgan State University was audited and the president of the University could not account for about $16.8 million.

FAMU is also struggling with money problems as Interim President Castell V. Bryant freezes University funds.

While these two HBCU’s have their issues to deal with, former Morris Brown College President and financial aid director, Dr. Dolores Cross and Parvesh Singh are being indicted for allegedly unlawfully securing loans from the U.S. Department of Education.

Where is the money that is unaccounted for going? Why can’t FAMU stay in the black and why can’t HBCU officials keep their hands out of illegal money tactics?

It is a shame that high ranking black officials still do not know how to handle money properly in order to keep the legacy of HBCU’s alive. If this trend of mishandling money continues, how many HBCU’s will be available for the next generation?

The officials who control money should consider how important keeping the HBCU legacy is, and not how much they can pad their pockets.

It is time for HBCU alumni, faculty, staff, and students to demand better from the officials of each of the schools.

In order for HBCU’s to really make a difference in society, and lead black America it simply must get their finances correct.