Could the next Pope come from Africa?

The South African

24-04-2025

As the Catholic Church prepares to select a new leader, hopes are that the next pontiff could be the first Black pope in modern history. Image: AFP
As the Catholic Church prepares to select a new leader following the death of Pope Francis, hopes are rising among African Catholics that the next pontiff could be the first Black pope in modern history.
The growing prominence of African Catholicism – now accounting for approximately 20% of the global Catholic population – has sparked calls for representation at the highest level of the Church hierarchy.
The African continent is currently the fastest-growing region for the Catholic Church, a trend that many believe should be reflected in the upcoming papal election.
Three prominent African cardinals
Among the prominent African cardinals drawing attention are Ghana's Cardinal Peter Turkson, Congo's Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, and Ivory Coast's Cardinal Ignace Bessi Dogbo.
Cardinal Turkson, who has served in key Vatican roles and is known for his advocacy on social justice and environmental issues, has been considered a leading candidate in previous conclaves.
Cardinal Ambongo is widely respected for his efforts to promote peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Cardinal Dogbo, who was made a cardinal in December 2024, represents a newer wave of African Church leadership gaining visibility on the global stage.
'This is a unique moment for the Church,' said Fr. Emmanuel Adebayo, a theologian based in Nigeria.
'The Catholic population in Africa is vibrant and growing.
'Elevating a Black pope would be both a reflection of demographic reality and a symbol of unity in diversity.'
Despite the growing optimism, Vatican observers remain cautious.
Some insiders point to the limited public scrutiny African cardinals have faced compared to their Western counterparts as a potential concern.
Moreover, many African clergy hold conservative positions on social issues, particularly LGBTQ+ rights – stances that may contrast with the more progressive legacy of Pope Francis.
Nevertheless, the prospect of an African pope is being viewed by many as a continuation of Francis's focus on the global South and the marginalised.
Throughout his papacy, Francis championed inclusion, simplicity, and a shift away from Eurocentric traditions, all of which could lend momentum to calls for a historic choice in the upcoming conclave.
As the College of Cardinals prepares to gather in the Sistine Chapel in the coming days, the world watches with anticipation.
Whether or not the next pope will come from Africa, the growing calls for change underscore a Church in transition – wrestling with its past, responding to its present, and looking toward a more inclusive future.
There are 135 cardinals under the age of 80 who are eligible to select Pope Francis's successor.
Europe 53 Asia 23 Latin America 21 Africa 18 North America 16 Oceania 4
Do you believe the Catholic Church are ready for a black Pope?
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