In brief
As the global Catholic Church witnesses a significant surge in its African congregation, speculation mounts regarding whether the next Pope could emerge from the continent.
If the rapid growth of Catholicism in Africa were the only criterion for selecting the next Pope, the likelihood of an African pontiff would be high. The number of Catholics in Africa has surged, contributing to over half of the global increase in adherents. Despite having seen three African pontiffs in history, the last being Pope Gelasius I over 1,500 years ago, advocates argue for increased representation from the continent in light of its burgeoning Catholic community. Ahead of the conclave tasked with choosing Pope Francis’ successor, discussions among the cardinal-electors may revolve around Africa’s growing influence within the Church. “Having an African Pope would reflect the diversity of the global congregation,” says Father Stan Chu Ilo, a Nigerian Catholic priest. However, the priest acknowledges that those who have global visibility and influence tend to be preferred, which complicates the prospect given the lack of senior African clergy in prominent Vatican positions. He points to the past when African candidates like Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson and Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze had stronger chances but questions the current prominence of African cardinals within the global Catholic framework.Under Pope Francis, the number of cardinals from sub-Saharan Africa increased from 8% to 12%, with many noting the Pontiff’s acknowledgment of the continent’s growing role within the Church. The Catholic population in Africa now constitutes 20% of the worldwide Church, rising to 281 million from 272 million in 2022. However, the increasing numbers have also raised concerns about potentially tokenistic selections. Father Paulinus Ikechukwu Odozor of Notre Dame University opposes choosing a Pope based solely on geographical origin, asserting that any Pope’s calling is to serve the whole Church irrespective of personal background.Pope Francis has garnered acclaim in Africa for his advocacy for the marginalized and his condemnation of the exploitation of natural resources in nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which holds Africa’s largest Catholic community. Nevertheless, the Pope faced pushback from African bishops regarding his stance on LGBT issues, a cultural flashpoint across the continent given the widespread criminalization of homosexual relationships. Cardinal Turkson and other potential African papal candidates have publicly adhered to orthodox positions regarding these matters, reflecting regional attitudes that resist change.Despite the growth of African cardinals, a persistent absence of meaningful power dynamics exists within the church hierarchy. Discussions have arisen regarding the intersections of race and representation that could impede a genuinely inclusive selection process. As Pope Francis appointed most of the eligible cardinals to vote in the conclave, insights suggest that they will likely favor candidates who prioritize outreach to the poor. While the eventual outcome remains uncertain, calls for an African Pope circulate alongside prayers for leadership that perpetuates the “poor-first” ethos championed by Pope Francis. The hope remains that the next pontiff will embody a spirit of unity, focusing on uplifting all members of the Church across the globe.
