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Potential for a Pope from Africa: Current Perspectives

If growth within the Catholic Church serves as a primary indicator for the selection of its next leader, a candidate from Africa appears overwhelmingly likely. The continent has witnessed a significant increase in its Catholic population, contributing over half of the global rise in adherents.

Historically, Africa has produced only three popes, the most recent being Pope Gelasius I, who passed away more than 1,500 years ago. Many observers believe it is time for a new papal figure to emerge from this rapidly growing demographic.

As the cardinal-electors convene at the Vatican to select a successor to Pope Francis, questions loom about whether the remarkable growth of Catholicism in Africa will affect their choice. Father Stan Chu Ilo, a Nigerian priest and professor at DePaul University, emphasized that having an African Pope would be a meaningful representation of the Church’s global constituency. However, he acknowledged the prevailing trend of selecting a high-profile candidate, remarking that few senior African clergy currently occupy influential positions within the Vatican.

“The challenge is that you don’t have any senior African clergy holding any important position today at the Vatican, and that poses a problem,” Father Ilo articulated. He pointed out the absence of prominent African candidates, contrasting the current situation with past conclaves where African cardinals like Peter Turkson and Francis Arinze were considered frontrunners.

Despite Pope Francis’ efforts to include more representatives from sub-Saharan Africa among the cardinals—raising their percentage from 8% in 2013 to 12% by 2023—many remain surprised that a candidate from Africa has not emerged. Throughout his papacy, Francis visited ten African countries, coinciding with an explosive growth in the Catholic population on the continent, which now represents 20% of global Catholics, rising from 272 million in 2022 to 281 million in 2023.

However, opinions vary on prioritizing geographical origin in the selection process. Father Paulinus Ikechukwu Odozor, a Nigerian priest and professor at Notre Dame University, cautioned against what he perceives as tokenism in advocating for an African Pope. “I have never been one to think that just because you come from Africa or Europe, you are therefore a prime candidate,” he stated. Instead, he argued that the Pope’s role should be broader, serving as a theological leader focused on building unity within the Church.

Father Odozor believes that ensuring that the concerns of African Catholics are taken seriously within the Vatican remains crucial. He expressed a sentiment that at times, African issues seem marginalized or undervalued, fueling a desire for a representative pope.

Pope Francis has earned accolades for his advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities and for his peace-building efforts across Africa. Notably, he raised concerns about the exploitation of natural resources in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which holds one of the continent’s largest Catholic populations. His efforts to mend divides in war-torn nations like the Central African Republic have also drawn praise, showcasing his commitment to reconciliation.

Nevertheless, he faced strong opposition from African nations over his views on LGBTQ+ issues, notably following a 2023 announcement permitting blessings for same-sex unions, which was met with widespread rejection among African bishops. This illustrates the complex interplay of cultural norms and religious beliefs across the continent, where many countries maintain restrictive laws against homosexuality.

Three African cardinals—Turkson, Robert Sarah of Guinea, and Fridolin Ambongo of the Democratic Republic of Congo—are frequently mentioned as leading candidates for the papacy but have all publicly opposed liberal changes regarding same-sex relationships.

Despite an increase in African clergy within the cardinalate, Father Ilo and Father Odozor highlight that real influence remains limited. They cite underlying issues of racial dynamics in the Church as potential barriers to electing an African Pope. “There is still that question of racism in the Church that we never even talk about,” Father Odozor remarked, suggesting that an African pope could be narrowly perceived through the lens of ethnicity rather than his broader spiritual authority.

With Pope Francis having appointed a significant majority of the cardinals eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave, there is a hope that the new leadership will continue to focus on serving marginalized communities and embodying a “poor-first” mission for the Church.

As the selection nears, predictions remain elusive. Father Ilo humorously shared his anticipation of a successor who continues the legacy of Pope Francis and, ideally, hails from Africa.

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