There is growing speculation that the next pope of the Roman Catholic Church could come from Africa. With the Catholic population on the continent rising faster than anywhere else in the world, many believe the time has come for the Church’s top leadership to reflect this growing influence.
According to the Vatican’s 2024 report, more than 7.2 million Africans joined the Catholic faith last year alone. In 1910, the number of Catholics in Africa was fewer than one million. Today, it has grown to over 265 million, according to the National Catholic Register. This steady growth, especially in countries where Christians face serious persecution, has led some religious experts and theologians to argue that an African pope would be both appropriate and historic.
There are currently three top African contenders, or “papabile” — a term used to describe cardinals considered likely to be elected pope. These are:
– Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (65), from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He is the Archbishop of Kinshasa and has spoken out strongly against political corruption in his country. While seen as a courageous leader, some analysts question his consistency in theological teachings.
– Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson (76), from Ghana. He is well known for his past leadership roles in the Vatican and worked closely with Pope Francis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respected by many, Turkson is seen as a moderate candidate who could appeal to both conservative and progressive cardinals. However, his public visibility has declined in recent years.
– Cardinal Robert Sarah (80), from Guinea. Once seen as a strong conservative voice within the Church, his age makes him ineligible to vote in the conclave that selects the new pope. While he remains influential, most analysts agree his chances are slim.
Greg Tobin, author and expert on the papacy, believes the time is right for an African pope. Speaking to Fox News Digital, he said, “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.” He added that African Church leaders are often highly educated and experienced, many having studied in Europe or the United States.
What makes the growth of Catholicism in Africa so striking is that it has happened despite major challenges. In many African countries, Christians face persecution, violence, and discrimination. In Nigeria, for example, over 52,000 Christians were reportedly killed for their faith between 2009 and 2023, according to the civil society group Intersociety. The group, based in Onitsha, says many of these deaths were carried out by armed groups targeting Christian communities.
The situation is similar in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where 95 percent of the population is Christian. In one recent attack, Islamist rebels forced 70 Christians into a church and killed them with machetes.
Despite these dangers, the faith of African Christians remains strong. A study by Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) in 2023 showed that Nigeria has the highest number of practicing Catholics in the world. Ninety-four percent of Nigerian Catholics attend Mass weekly, compared to 73 percent in Kenya — the second highest. These numbers far exceed attendance rates in Europe and the Americas.
Jonathan Morris, a theologian and executive coach, also supports the idea of an African pope. He believes it would send a powerful message to the world. “An African candidate is not only interesting in terms of representing the fastest-growing region of the Church but also because such a candidate could unite different ideological groups within the Church,” he said.
The Catholic Church is currently divided between more liberal voices in Europe and North America and more conservative views often found in Africa and parts of Asia. African Church leaders are known for their strong positions on family values, morality, and Church tradition. This conservative stance may appeal to some members of the College of Cardinals — the group responsible for electing the next pope — but it may also turn off others looking for a more moderate or pastoral leader.
Greg Tobin cautions that African candidates can sometimes be viewed as too conservative or not clearly defined in their theological positions. “Cardinal-electors want someone with clear theology and a pastoral style that can unify the Church,” he said.
Still, Cardinal Turkson remains a strong option. Born in Ghana, he has served in several important Vatican roles and is considered a balanced candidate who could appeal to both African and Western cardinals. Though less visible in recent years, his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and his close relationship with Pope Francis may boost his chances.
Cardinal Ambongo, on the other hand, is seen as a rising figure. As the Archbishop of Kinshasa, he leads one of the largest Catholic communities in Africa. His strong voice against the authoritarian regime in his country has earned him respect across the continent.
As for Cardinal Sarah, many believe his time has passed. His hardline views and current age make him unlikely to be selected. Since cardinals older than 80 cannot vote in the conclave, he cannot take part in the final decision-making process.
If an African pope is elected, he will not be the first from the continent. In early Church history, several popes were African, including Pope Victor I (served between 189–199 AD), Pope Miltiades, and Pope Gelasius I. However, none have come from sub-Saharan Africa or served in modern times.
The possibility of an African pope today would be seen as a major shift, recognizing the growing importance of African Catholics in the global Church. It would also be a powerful symbol of hope and resilience for millions of Christians who remain faithful despite danger and hardship.
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