As the Catholic Church prepares for its May 14 conclave, anticipation surges throughout Africa where many faithful harbor hopes for the first African pope in more than 1,500 years. The possibility represents a potential watershed moment for global Catholicism, reflecting significant demographic shifts as the religion’s center of gravity moves increasingly toward the Global South.
African cardinals enter spotlight
Three prominent African prelates have emerged as serious contenders for the papacy, each bringing distinct perspectives and leadership qualities to their candidacies. Cardinal Robert Sarah from Guinea, Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo from Congo are considered “papabile”, the term for candidates viewed as potential popes, by Vatican observers.
Their prominence in papal discussions marks a significant development in church history. While Africa has contributed to Catholic leadership for centuries, the elevation of multiple African cardinals to legitimate papal consideration reflects the continent’s growing influence within Vatican circles.
The election of an African pope would represent the first pontiff from the continent since the early centuries of Christianity and would mark the first-ever pope from sub-Saharan Africa. Such an outcome would constitute a profound recognition of Africa’s expanding role in sustaining and growing global Catholicism.
Faith beyond nationality
Despite the excitement surrounding potential African representation, many Catholics on the continent emphasize that leadership qualities transcend national or ethnic identity. Luka Lawrence Ndenge, an emergency officer with Caritas in South Sudan, believes that what matters is having a good, holy pope who can unite Catholics across the world, rather than the pope’s ethnicity.
This pragmatic view appears throughout discussions with African Catholics, who often balance pride in potential African representation with commitment to universal church values. African Catholics like Emily Mwaka indicate that the next pope’s qualities matter more than his background, emphasizing the desire for a pontiff who serves the global church regardless of origin.
Demographic shifts reshape church
The upcoming conclave unfolds against a backdrop of significant changes in global Catholicism. While church attendance and religious vocations continue declining across much of Europe, Africa has experienced remarkable Catholic growth in recent decades. The continent now represents approximately 20% of the worldwide Catholic population, with membership increasing steadily.
This demographic reality creates both opportunity and pressure for the College of Cardinals as they gather to select the next pope. The election occurs at a pivotal moment when the church must navigate complex challenges across highly diverse cultural contexts, from secularization in traditional Catholic strongholds to explosive growth in newer communities.
Bishop Tesfaselassie Medhin, who leads the Adigrat diocese in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, connects the papal selection to recent experiences of conflict and humanitarian crisis. He expressed appreciation for Pope Francis’s attention to the Tigray conflict in 2021 and 2022, suggesting that similar compassion would be essential in the next pontiff regardless of origin.
Leadership that resonates
For many African Catholics, the potential for an African pope represents more than symbolic representation. It offers the possibility of leadership that understands the lived experiences of Catholics across the continent, including unique challenges and perspectives.
Bishop Medhin considers having a passionate, dedicated, and competent African leading the Catholic Church important to him as an African, and seeing this in his lifetime would fulfill a significant wish. His perspective reflects both personal hope and broader desire for leadership familiar with African Catholic experiences.
The next pope will confront an increasingly diverse global church with different needs across regions. While European and North American dioceses face declining attendance, African parishes often experience rapid growth that outpaces available resources.
Moment of anticipation
As the May 14 conclave approaches, Catholics worldwide watch with interest, recognizing the historical significance of potentially selecting the first African pope of the modern era. The decision carries implications not only for church leadership but also for how Catholicism positions itself in a changing religious landscape.
Ndenge expressed cautious optimism about African prospects, noting the capability of the African cardinals under consideration. His perspective balances enthusiasm with pragmatic assessment of how the conclave process might unfold, acknowledging both possibilities and limitations.
Whatever the outcome, the prominence of African cardinals in pre-conclave discussions already signals an important evolution in church dynamics. Their presence among serious contenders reflects both their personal qualifications and the growing recognition of Africa’s centrality to Catholicism’s future.
As discussions intensify ahead of the gathering in the Sistine Chapel, the voices of African Catholics will continue contributing to this unfolding narrative. Whether or not an African cardinal emerges as pope, their participation in this historic moment ensures that Africa’s vital role in the global Catholic community receives unprecedented acknowledgment.
