The passing of Pope Francis has not only brought the Catholic world into a period of mourning but has also opened one of the most unpredictable papal contests in recent memory. As the College of Cardinals prepares to gather in the Sistine Chapel, one question echoes louder than most: Could the next Pope be African? And if not now, then when?
The Unpredictability of Papal Elections
Predicting who will emerge as the next pontiff is a task fraught with uncertainty. While some names like Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy), Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines), and Cardinal Robert Prevost (USA) have garnered attention, the sheer diversity of this College of Cardinals—many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis—makes this conclave uniquely global in scope.
With fewer than half of the voting cardinals now being European, and with significant representation from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the terrain is ripe for a non-European pope. Yet despite this evolving diversity, the papacy remains Eurocentric in practice. Of the 266 popes in history, 213 have been Italian, and none in the modern era has been African.
Why Hasn’t There Been a Modern African Pope?
The question of why an African has not been elected pope in modern times is both simple and complex. While early Church history includes three African popes—Victor I, Miltiades, and Gelasius I—modern conclaves have never selected a Black man or African for the role. This absence is not necessarily due to lack of qualification. Africa boasts several well-respected cardinals such as Ghana’s Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, DR Congo’s Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, and Ivory Coast’s Ignace Bessi Dogbo.
The challenge lies in the deeply entrenched Eurocentric traditions of the Church, the behind-the-scenes that shapes conclave outcomes, and unspoken concerns about global political optics and theological direction. Additionally, Africa’s socially conservative stance on issues like same-sex unions can be viewed as both a strength and liability—garnering support from traditionalists while raising questions about continuity with Pope Francis’s more progressive agenda.
Does Africa Have a Chance Now?
In theory, yes—and more than ever before. Africa is the fastest-growing region for Catholicism, with over 20% of the world’s Catholic population and millions of new worshippers annually. This growth brings with it influence, moral clarity, and a compelling argument for greater representation at the top of the Church hierarchy.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of the DR Congo, with his powerful voice on human rights and religious pluralism, is seen as a potential frontrunner. So is Cardinal Turkson of Ghana, admired for his intellectual depth and nuanced take on controversial issues such as LGBTQ+ rights—opposing criminalization while maintaining doctrinal orthodoxy.
Yet, support is fragmented. While Africans long for a pope who reflects their values and experience, there is no unified bloc pushing a single candidate. And in the conclave, unity is power.
More Than Symbolism: What an African Papacy Would Mean
An African pope would be more than symbolic—it would mark a paradigm shift. It would recognize the global south not just as the Church’s future, but its present. It would inspire a new generation of believers, challenge centuries of cultural hegemony, and reshape the narrative of African leadership on the world stage.
Yet as Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja wisely noted, the goal is not simply to elect an African pope, but a holy and capable one—regardless of origin. Still, Africa’s time may be near, and if not in this conclave, then surely in the next.
Because the world is watching. And the Church, now more than ever, must reflect the universality it preaches.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
