If the next pope hails from sub-Saharan Africa, it would mark a historic first for the Catholic Church. While many Africans express cautious optimism about the possibility, they view it as a long shot. The conclave electing Pope Francis’ successor begins soon, with several African cardinals in contention, including Robert Sarah from Guinea, Peter Turkson from Ghana, and Fridolin Ambongo from Congo. All would be significant figures as the first African pope in over 1,500 years.
Amid a backdrop of declining Catholicism in Europe, the faith is flourishing in Africa, where over 20% of the global Catholic population resides. Observers suggest that an African pope could signal a shift towards inclusion, though this could also alienate traditionalists. The potential candidates share conservative views, aligning with broader social conservatism prevalent in Africa.
Ambongo has recently opposed the Vatican’s more inclusive approaches, asserting that same-sex unions are against God’s will. Meanwhile, Sarah, who has publicly challenged Pope Francis, is favored by traditionalists and emphasizes longstanding Church doctrines. His earlier activism around priestly celibacy during Francis’ discussions of ordaining married men sparked controversy.
Despite these dynamics, many African Catholics prioritize a leader who embodies compassion and unity over racial or regional identity. As Luka Lawrence Ndenge from South Sudan noted, the focus should be on selecting a holy pope, while Ethiopian Bishop Tesfaselassie Medhin emphasized the importance of competent African leadership. Others, like Emily Mwaka from Uganda, argue that the next pope should not be defined by ethnicity, underscoring a desire for collective representation within the Church.
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