YOUR POPE IS DEAD On my way to Belfast city centre yesterday, I met a Chinese friend that Id not seen since I left Belfast last September. And the following ensued: Friend: Hey Auwal, good to see you. I heard you were back, but weve not seen you. We should have lunch to catch up. Me: Yeah sure. Glad to see you. Three months and you speak perfect English now. The fast Chinese brain in action. He smiled shyly. Id never seen him laugh. Friend: Oh, silly me. I shouldve started with condolences. Sorry about it. Sorry about your loss. I understand if you dont want to go for lunch. It is okay. Auwal: Condolences? I have not lost anyone. What are you talking about? Friend: It has been in the news yesterday or so. It then occurred to me that he might be talking about the Baga massacre and other killings in my country. Me: Oh, but it has been there for a while now. Insurgents are killing our people and gradually taking over the country. We have lost so many and our military.... Friend (interrupting): Im talking about your Pope. You lost your Pope yesterday, didnt you? Me: Pope? My Pope? Im a Muslim, remember? Friend: Yes, I know. The Muslim Pope died yesterday. Was the King of Saudi Arabia not your Pope? Me (smiling): No, he was not. The King of Saudi Arabia to Muslims is not what the Pope is to Christians. The Pope is the spiritual leader of the Catholic Christians and they all submit to him. But the King of Saudi Arabia has nothing do with the leadership of Muslims. We respected and prayed for him because of how well he took care of Mecca and Madina but he was only the President of his country. Thats it. Not our leader. Friend: Oh really? I see. So who is the spiritual leader of you guys? Me (after a long uncomfortable silence): I think we should have that lunch.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 11:46:01 +0000
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