The death of Pope Francis on Monday has reignited discussions over the possibility of an African becoming the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The pontiff, who passed away at the age of 88 following a stroke and cardiac arrest, will be laid to rest on Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
As preparations for the funeral proceed, religious and political leaders from around the world are expected to attend. Confirmed attendees include U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Argentine President Javier Milei. Prince William will represent King Charles III, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also scheduled to be present, having met the pope three times.
The Pope’s passing has prompted renewed interest in the prospect of an African pope, a move that would be historic in modern times. Speaking to the BBC in an interview monitored by THISDAY, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Nigeria’s Abuja Diocese emphasized that African Cardinals are equally eligible to be elected.
“An African can be a pope. We have African Cardinals who have the same chance as anyone from America or Europe,” Kaigama said. “But our prayer is not for a black, white, or Asian pope. We are praying for a good and holy pope—whoever that may be.”
Africa is home to a rapidly growing Catholic population, now accounting for about 20% of the global Catholic community, according to recent Vatican statistics. The continent gained nine million new adherents in 2022 alone.
Among African clerics seen as potential contenders are Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76; Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, Archbishop of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and Cardinal Ignace Bessi Dogbo, 63, of Ivory Coast.
Supporters argue that an African pope could help reshape perceptions of the continent and inspire faith across Africa. “It would revive the Christian faith in Africa and change people’s views by showing that an African can lead the global church,” said Charles Yapi, a Catholic priest in Abidjan.
However, some observers note that while African Cardinals may align with Francis’s focus on the global south, they may diverge from his socially progressive stances, including his openness to blessing same-sex couples. Many African Catholics maintain a more conservative outlook on such issues.
Francis’s death followed a period of declining health. He had been hospitalized earlier this year with double pneumonia and appeared to be recovering. According to the Vatican, he began feeling unwell early Monday morning and died peacefully at 7:35 a.m. after slipping into a coma.
The funeral rites will begin Wednesday, with the pope’s body to be moved into St. Peter’s Basilica at 9:00 a.m. for public viewing until Friday evening. The funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Currently, Europe holds the largest share of voting cardinals at 39%, a decrease from 52% in 2013. Asia and Oceania now represent the second-largest bloc at approximately 20%.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
