In just a month Archbishop Stephen Brislin, 66, will travel to the Vatican for his cardinal appointment and for the World Synod of Bishops. How does he look forward to his promotion and what challenges does he want to continue supporting in his native South Africa?

Question: Mr Archbishop, when and how did you find out about your cardinal candidacy?

Brislin: I was at home reading the paper when I received a text message. He is from Thailand; it just says, “Congratulations. Nice to know there’s a second Red Hat in South Africa!” [einen weiteren Kardinal neben Wilfrid Napier; Anm. d. Red.]. But I don’t know who sent the message; and still less what it means. A few minutes later our spokesperson in Pretoria called me. He asked if it was true – and I just asked, “Is it true?” It was then that I heard for the first time that I would become a cardinal. It was a complete surprise. I am amazed that the Pope even knows about me.

Question: How do you feel about traveling to the Vatican in the near future?

Brislin: A little anxiety accompanies you; Anyway, I’ve never been to a consistory. But I am happy that some people from Cape Town and my former diocese will accompany me, that my family and also some bishops and priests will be there. I feel supported.

Question: Where will your future focus be – the Church in South Africa or the Vatican?

Brislin: My main goal is to serve the local church – and as far as I know I will remain Archbishop of Cape Town. But of course the worldwide ministry of the church is now also increasingly a part of it; especially to serve the Holy Father. Fortunately I have the support of auxiliary bishops here.

Question: “Will the next whale come from Africa or maybe from Asia?”

Brislin: It is very possible. The selection of whales is difficult to predict. Few, if any, expected Pope Francis to be elected in 2013. The fact that we now have a pope from a developing region has put a new emphasis on the Church. I welcome that. For many people this may still be a challenge; but have a positive impact.

Question: In about six months there will be elections in South Africa. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) could lose its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid. A sign he hasn’t delivered what he promised South Africa 30 years ago?

Brislin: Yes, of course. The people are disappointed because the economic situation of millions of people has not improved. Of course we are grateful for democracy and all that it stands for: there is freedom of speech and assembly, we are the freest country in Africa. But people wonder how to feed their families, have a decent place to live and live a decent life. Unfortunately, this kind of change has not yet occurred in South Africa. This disappointment worries us. Young people feel they can’t change things.

Question: In 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa promised far-reaching anti-corruption reforms. Did he deliver?

Brislin: NO. The start was good and there has been some progress such as the Zondo Commission [Korruptionsermittlungen unter anderen gegen Ex-Präsident Zuma und seine Geschäftspartner, Anm. d. Red.]. But there is a problem with the implementation. Then there is the Phala Phala scandal, linking current President Cyril Ramaphosa to corruption. The answers we got from him were not enough. In a possible second term, when he is no longer worried about his re-election, he can act more vigorously. It is possible that we will get a new impetus then [gegen Korruption] see.

Question: South Africa continues to make headlines because of its proximity to Russia. Can this friendship be justified?

Brislin: I am disappointed that the South African government has not clearly condemned the invasion of Ukraine. The attack is unacceptable and is a clear case of aggression. South Africa is part of the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and wants to remain neutral; that’s understandable. But the course is also notable for its ambiguity: a Russian ship docks at a South African naval base; joint war games with China and Russia – something like that sends mixed signals as to where we actually stand.

Question: 30 years after the end of racial segregation, we still see incidents of racism. Will South Africa get rid of this problem?

Brislin: Yes, but the question is: when? You can’t change attitudes and racism just by changing the law. It’s harder. I firmly believe that we can end racism if people are given the opportunity for a decent life and economic progress; when young people can study and find jobs. Racism is kept alive here by social inequality. I long for the day when it made no difference whether you were black, white, colored or Indian. But it is still part of our life.