Latest news with #FridolinAmbongoBesungu
Business Insider
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Africa has four strong Pope ranking contenders according to Gambling Nerd
Will the Next Pope Come From Africa? Despite Catholicism's explosive growth in the Global South, the College of Cardinals has yet to elect an African pope since the death of Pope Gelasius I in 496. But that could soon change. According to the latest odds from several African contenders are gaining traction as serious candidates to lead the Catholic Church. Here's a closer look at the frontrunners. Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of Congo) Odds: +400 A Capuchin friar and Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, is the most prominent African papal contender. Known for his passionate advocacy for social justice and the environment, he's emerged as a moral voice in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from Congo is the top contender for becoming Pope in Africa. He is particularly respected for his vocal opposition to political repression and exploitation of natural resources. As noted by the OSV Catholic News Agency, "The church is concerned with the education and health of its people." His outspoken stance on issues from mining abuses to electoral integrity has made him a spiritual anchor in a volatile region. Peter Turkson (Ghana) Odds: +400 Hailing from Ghana, Cardinal Peter Turkson is a well-known figure within the Vatican. As the previous leader of the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal Turkson played a key role in addressing major global concerns such as poverty, climate change, and migration, all core priorities of Pope Francis. He was even regarded as a potential successor to the papacy during the 2013 conclave. His intellectual pedigree, including a doctorate from the Pontifical Biblical Institute and his deep familiarity with Vatican machinery, make him a seasoned insider. Known for bridging traditional Catholic teaching with modern global concerns, Turkson has long advocated for ethical leadership. While he recently resigned from his Dicastery role, many observers see this not as a retreat but as a strategic repositioning. Francis Arinze (Nigeria) Odds: +900 Cardinal Francis Arinze, born November 1, 1932, in Eziowelle, Nigeria, is another respected African figure in papal discussions. Converting from traditional African religion to Catholicism at nine, he embarked on a path that would see him rise to prominent ecclesiastical positions. Ordained as a priest in 1958, Arinze became the Archbishop of Onitsha in 1967. Arinze was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 1985. From 1984 to 2002, he led the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, working to strengthen the Catholic Church's engagement with other faiths. He later became Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, a position he maintained until his retirement in 2008. Known for his conservative theological stance, Cardinal Arinze has been considered a papabile, or potential pope, in previous conclaves. At 92 years old, while his age may be a factor, his extensive experience and respected status continue to make him a significant figure in discussions about the future leadership of the Catholic Church. Robert Sarah (Guinea) Odds: +900 Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea is among the most prominent African voices in the Catholic Church and one of its most traditional. He once led the Vatican office overseeing liturgical matters and is best known for his deep-rooted traditionalism. He has consistently advocated for preserving classical forms of worship, upholding priestly celibacy, and challenging progressive shifts within Church theology. A fierce critic of what he calls "gender ideology" and Western moral relativism, he has often positioned himself as a spiritual counterweight to more progressive leadership, including that of Pope Francis. His global following, especially among traditionalist Catholics, sees him as a moral anchor in turbulent times. At 79, his age may be a factor, but his ideological clarity and global stature still make him a serious contender. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Who are the top African candidates for the papacy? The four strongest African contenders for the papacy are Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Peter Turkson from Ghana, Francis Arinze from Nigeria, and Robert Sarah from Guinea. Each represents different aspects of African Catholicism, from activism to traditionalism. What role does Africa play in the future of the Catholic Church? Africa's role in Catholicism is rapidly growing. By 2060, sub-Saharan Africa is expected to house over 40% of the world's Catholics, making its political and spiritual perspectives more crucial in shaping the future of the Church. How likely is an African pope? As highlighted by Gambling Nerd, the odds of an African pope have been rising. The increasing prominence of African cardinals in discussions about papal succession reflects the Church's growing recognition of Catholicism's demographic and spiritual strength in Africa. The Future of the Papacy May Be African Africa's increasing visibility in papal succession discussions reflects broader demographic trends. The Pew Research Center projections indicate that by 2060, over 40% of the global Catholic population will reside in sub-Saharan Africa. This growth has made the continent's spiritual and political challenges central to global Catholicism. As Gambling Nerd's latest odds suggest, African papabili are no longer long shots. At a time when the Catholic Church grapples with 21st-century challenges, an African pope could bring both symbolic and substantive change.
CNBC
07-05-2025
- Politics
- CNBC
Cardinals begin conclave to elect new pope in majesty of Sistine Chapel
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu attends the Holy Mass, celebrated for the election of the new pope, presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, May 7, 2025. Catholic cardinals who will choose the next pope were locked behind the heavy wood doors of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, sequestered from the world to elect the man they hope can unite a diverse but divided global Church. In a ritual dating back to medieval times, 133 cardinal electors walked slowly into the chapel before taking an oath of perpetual secrecy under the gaze of the stern Christ depicted in Michelangelo's Last Judgement fresco, which adorns the chapel. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Vatican's master of ceremonies, then pronounced the Latin command "Extra omnes!" (Everyone out!), telling all those not involved in the conclave to leave. The chapel's doors were slammed shut, allowing the cardinals to hold their first ballot to look for a successor to Pope Francis, who died last month. Faithful watch a giant screen displaying images of Diego Giovanni Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, closing the doors of the Sistine chapel as the conclave to elect a new Pope starts, at St Peter's Square in The Vatican, on May 7, 2025. No pope has been elected on the first day of a conclave for centuries and voting could continue for several days before one man receives the necessary two-thirds majority to become the 267th pontiff. There will be only one ballot on Wednesday. Thereafter, there can be as many as four votes a day. During a formal procession into the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals beseeched nearly 100 men and women believed to reside in heaven to pray for them as they prepare to make the momentous decision. The only expected signal from the cardinals during the conclave will come in the form of smoke from a chimney atop the chapel, as the clerics burn their ballots. Black smoke will mark an inconclusive vote; white smoke and the pealing of bells will signal that the 1.4-billion-member Church has a new leader. 'Watchful care' over the world At a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday before entering the conclave, the cardinals prayed that God would help them find a pope who would exercise "watchful care" over the world. People watch a screen in Saint Peter's Square showing Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, on the first day of the conclave to elect the next pope, as seen from Rome, Italy, May 7, 2025. In a sermon, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re told his peers they must set aside "every personal consideration" in choosing the new pontiff and keep in mind "only ... the good of the Church and of humanity". In recent days, cardinals have offered different assessments of what they are looking for in the next pope. While some have called for continuity with Francis' vision of greater openness and reform, others have said they want to turn the clock back and embrace traditions. Many have indicated they want a more predictable, measured pontificate. A record 133 cardinals from 70 countries were expected to enter the Sistine Chapel, up from 115 from 48 nations in the last conclave in 2013 - growth that reflects efforts by Francis during his 12-year reign to extend the reach of the Church. No clear favourite has emerged, although Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are considered the front-runners. A general view taken from the cupola of St Peter's basilica shows St Peter's square and Via della Conciliazione, in The Vatican on May 3, 2025. Firefighters installed the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on May 2, 2025 which will emit white smoke to signal the election of a new pope as preparations proceed just five days before cardinals gather for the conclave. However, if it quickly becomes obvious that neither can win, votes are likely to shift to other contenders, with the electors possibly coalescing around geography, doctrinal affinity or common languages. Among other potential candidates are France's Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungary's Peter Erdo, American Robert Prevost and Italy's Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The cardinal electors are all aged under 80. Re, who cannot take part in the conclave as he is 91, suggested the cardinals should look for a pope who respected the Church's diversity. "Unity does not mean uniformity, but a firm and profound communion in diversity," he said in his sermon. The average length of the last 10 conclaves was just over three days and none went on for more than five days. The last conclave, which picked Francis in 2013, lasted just two days. The cardinals will be looking to wrap things up quickly again this time to avoid giving the impression they are divided or that the Church is adrift. Some 80% of the cardinal electors were appointed by Francis, increasing the possibility that his successor will in some way continue his progressive policies, despite strong pushback from traditionalists. Among their considerations will be whether they should seek a pope from the global South where congregations are growing, as they did in 2013 with Francis, from Argentina, hand back the reins to Europe or even pick a first U.S. pope.
Fox News
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Where will the next Pope come from? Analysts say it could be Africa's time
JOHANNESBURG: The next Pope could, and some analysts say should, come from Africa. Christianity is booming here. More people are becoming Catholics on the continent than anywhere else in the world, and millions of Africans proudly stay true to their faith despite persecution and death. "As in previous years, increases (in the number of Catholics) were registered above all in Africa," the Vatican said in October 2024, stating that 7,271,000 Africans joined the faith last year. In 2023, the National Catholic Register reported "Home to fewer than 1 million Catholics in 1910, the Catholic population of Africa is now 265 million." Fox News Digital understands there are three leading African papabile – "pope-able" candidates - Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, 76, from Ghana, and Guinea's Cardinal Robert Sarah, who is viewed as an outsider due his being 80-years-old. "Is it time? Certainly, it is an appropriate time for the leader of the Catholic Church to come from Africa for reasons that would capture the world's imagination," Greg Tobin, author of the novels "Conclave" and "Council," and the biography of "Pope John XXIII, the Good Pope," told Fox News Digital. He added, "The Church has been growing at an amazingly rapid rate over the past few decades in the face of government opposition in many African nations, overt persecution of Christians and Catholics in many of the same nations, and violent opposition. Further, the leaders who have been appointed bishops and raised up as cardinals are generally highly educated, often in the West." Theologian and executive coach Jonathan Morris was also positive about the idea of a new Pope coming from Africa, telling Fox News Digital, "An African candidate for pope is not only interesting from the perspective of representation of the fastest-growing region of the Church, but also because an African candidate could bring together divergent ideological groups of cardinals." Morris, a Fox News contributor, added, "The African Church is, as a whole, more conservative than the European and American Church. But wouldn't these Europeans and Americans love to be part of making history!" While this largely conservative approach from Africa's papal candidates is a positive factor among traditional Catholics, many still don't want a hardline pope, Gregory Tobin said. Tobin is right on topic, as he is currently writing a new book, "The Mysteries of the Conclave." The Conclave is the meeting in the Vatican where the new pope is chosen. Tobin said "the (African) Church and its leaders can come across as either ambivalent or very hard conservatives—a mixed bag that is a "turnoff" for cardinal-electors who seek more highly defined, clear theology and pastoral "style" from the one whom they will elect." Some analysts recommend it's the right moment, with a pope from Africa, to reward Christians for their strength despite often horrific persecution. It's easy to openly be a Christian in Texas. But recently in the DRC, where 95% of the population are Christian, no-one stopped Islamist rebels from forcing 70 Christians into a church where they were butchered, beheaded with machetes. In 2023, Fox News Digital was told that more than 52,000 Christians "have been butchered or hacked to death for being Christians" since 2009 in Nigeria, according to Intersociety, a civil society group based in Onitsha. Yet Nigeria in 2023 was shown to have the largest number of practicing Catholics in the world – worshipers who attend mass – by a long way, followed by another African country, Kenya. This is according to Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), which reported "weekly or more frequent Mass attendance is highest among adult self-identified Catholics in Nigeria at 94% followed by Kenya at 73%." Greg Tobin offered his take on the preferred candidates. First, "Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, DRC, Archbishop of Kinshasa, is a leading African candidate, though he is not considered strong or consistent in his theological teachings, (and) he is a vocal opponent of the dictatorial leadership of his country." And "Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appia Turkson, from Ghana, [from] 2020 onward served Pope Francis as head of a multi-group task force to monitor widespread effects of (the) coronavirus pandemic on churches and Catholic institutions. Turkson is a viable choice, widely respected, liked by Pope Francis, and theologically and "politically" palatable to Western prelates, but his visibility has dimmed in recent years. His election would be a major surprise along the same line that Bergolio's (Pope Francis) was in 2013." Tobin pointed out that Guinea's Cardinal Robert Sarah, being 80, is "ineligible to vote in the conclave due to age. A distinct long-shot, due to age and sense his time has passed." One final note: Should the next Pope come from Africa, he won't be the first. Victor 1, from North Africa, served as the Pontiff between 189-199, and was closely followed by Miltiades and Gelasius 1.
