Synopsis: A viral video showing Cardinal Stephen Brislin greeting European cardinals warmly but offering only a handshake to an African cardinal has sparked global outrage, reigniting debates over racial bias in the Vatican.
Vatican City, May 17, 2025 – A brief video clip circulating on social media has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with accusations of racism directed at the Vatican. The footage, which has garnered millions of views on platforms like X, appears to show Cardinal Stephen Brislin, a prominent South African prelate, greeting two European cardinals with embraces and kisses during a consistory on September 30, 2023, while offering only a handshake to an African cardinal. The video, captioned “No kiss for the African Cardinal because God is White! ✝️ Racism in the Vatican,” has fueled heated debates about racial bias within the Catholic Church, prompting responses from Catholic leaders and the public alike.
MANY EXPRESSED ANGER AND FRUSTRATION
The clip, originally shared in October 2023 but recently resurfaced, has been widely condemned by social media users who view the interaction as evidence of discriminatory behavior. “This is shocking and disappointing. Open discrimination on the basis of skin color?” wrote one X user, echoing the sentiments of many who expressed anger and frustration. Some posts also drew parallels to broader critiques of the Church, with one user sarcastically noting, “And they preach about casteism!!!” The inflammatory caption and selective editing of the video have amplified its impact, leading to calls for accountability from the Vatican.
SELECTIVE EDITING TO PUSH A NARRATIVE
However, Catholic sources familiar with Cardinal Brislin have strongly refuted the allegations of racism, calling the video misleading and taken out of context. According to an article published by The Southern Cross, a South African Catholic outlet, the African cardinal’s body language indicated a preference for a handshake rather than an embrace, unlike the European cardinals who leaned in for hugs. The article emphasized that Brislin, known for his sensitivity to cultural norms, typically greets people with handshakes and adapts to the preferences of others. It further noted that the clip does not show how Brislin greeted the over 100 other cardinals present, suggesting selective editing to push a narrative. “It is a shame that a happy day for South Africa and its Catholic Church has been stained by an unfounded accusation of racism,” the outlet stated.
CHURCH’S LONG-STANDING TEACHINGS
The Vatican has not issued an official statement on the resurfaced video, but Catholic commentators have pointed to the Church’s long-standing teachings against racial discrimination. In a 2022 message, Pope Francis described racism as “a virus that quickly mutates and, instead of disappearing, goes into hiding,” urging Catholics to combat it actively. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, has similarly likened racism to a “spiritual virus” that must be eradicated. These statements reflect the Church’s official stance, though critics argue that actions, not words, are needed to address perceptions of bias.
GROWING INFLUENCE OF AFRICAN CARDINALS
The controversy comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for the Vatican, following the recent conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV after the death of Pope Francis. Discussions about the possibility of an African pope, such as Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo or Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, have highlighted the growing influence of African cardinals, who represent 13% of the College of Cardinals. The video has reignited debates about whether the Church truly reflects its global, multicultural congregation, with some arguing that systemic issues persist despite its universal teachings.
LACK OF EVIDENCE OF RACIAL INTENT
Social media reactions remain polarized. While some users demand apologies and reforms, others defend Brislin, citing his record of cultural sensitivity and the lack of evidence of racial intent. “Anybody who knows Cardinal Brislin will dismiss the suggestion that the man is a racist as absurd,” The Southern Cross reported, noting that the video’s dissemination may reflect an“`
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Conclusion: This viral video has exposed deep-seated tensions over race in the Vatican, challenging its universal image. While defenders call it a misrepresentation, the outrage underscores the urgent need for transparency and reform.
