Africans are hopeful that a native of their continent could become the first Black pope in modern history, a shift that many believe would further Pope Francis’s legacy of championing the developing world. However, despite Africa’s rapidly growing Catholic presence, the chances appear slim.
The Roman Catholic Church is expanding fastest in Africa, a continent where religion is deeply ingrained in everyday life. According to the Vatican, Africa’s Catholic population continues to increase, with millions attending services to honor Pope Francis following his death.
For many African Catholics, the idea of a Black pope is seen as long overdue. “Having a Black pope would revive the Christian faith in Africa and change global perceptions of the continent,” said Charles Yapi, a Catholic priest in Abidjan.
Some scholars argue that early popes may have had African origins, though details remain unclear. Names from Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ivory Coast have been circulated as potential candidates, but Vatican insiders remain skeptical, citing the lack of scrutiny these figures face compared to Western cardinals.
Among those named are Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76; Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, from Congo; and Ivory Coast’s Cardinal Ignace Bessi Dogbo, 63.
Africa accounted for about 20% of global Catholics in 2023, adding 9 million worshippers in the previous year alone.
Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie from Accra, who has known Turkson for decades, believes his selection would honor Africa’s growing role in the Church. “Although I cannot predict this, having Turkson as pope would inspire bishops across the continent,” Kwofie said.
Some clerics, however, emphasize that a pope’s spiritual values are more important than his race or nationality. “We pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us to a good pastor, no matter where he comes from,” said Congolese priest Josue-Misael Mobatila Kwilu.
An African pope would likely continue Francis’s focus on issues like poverty, migration, and peace, areas where the Vatican’s influence in Africa has been increasingly significant. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi echoed Francis’s call to protect African resources during a 2023 visit, declaring, “Take your hands off Africa. It is not a mine to be exploited.”
However, an African pope might not align with all of Francis’s progressive views, such as supporting blessings for same-sex couples, which many African Catholics oppose. “Same-sex relationships are not part of our culture,” said Yapi, an Ivorian priest, suggesting an African pope would maintain a conservative stance on such issues.
Turkson, a long-discussed candidate, has an extensive pastoral background and strong ties to social justice, human rights, and climate change initiatives. However, his past remarks linking homosexuality to clerical abuse caused controversy, although he has since moderated his stance.
Ambongo, appointed a cardinal by Francis in 2019, has advocated for peace in war-torn Congo. He opposed the pope’s 2023 stance on blessings for gay couples, arguing it could scandalize the Church.
Ivory Coast’s Dogbo, appointed cardinal in December 2024, has recently gained visibility and supports the Church’s global representation.
While the idea of a Black pope resonates deeply in Africa, the selection process remains unpredictable, with Vatican insiders uncertain about the likelihood of such a historic change.
