As the Catholic world mourns the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, attention is already turning to the Sistine Chapel, where in a few days, cardinals will gather in conclave to elect his successor. For the first time in contemporary history, the prospect of an African pope is gaining serious traction—an event that, if realized, would not only mark a turning point for the Catholic Church but would also stand as a powerful symbol for Africa, a continent often seen on the margins of major religious and geopolitical decisions.
A Changing Church, A Rising Continent
With nearly 250 million followers—around 20% of the global Catholic population—Africa is today the beating heart of the Catholic Church. While religious practice is waning in parts of Europe, African churches remain vibrant, full, and alive. From cities to remote villages, faith is not lived in silence—it is sung, danced, preached, and experienced daily. This dynamism and popular fervor have become essential to any serious reflection on the Church’s future.
The election of an African pope would thus acknowledge a spiritual and demographic reality that has long been established, yet often overlooked by the Church hierarchy. It would also answer the call for a more inclusive and globally representative Church.
A Voice from the Global South for a More Equitable Church
An African pope would also serve as a symbolic act of justice in a Catholic world still marked by a centralized Roman tradition shaped by centuries of European dominance. He would not only be a spiritual leader, but also a voice from the Global South in shaping the Church’s moral and social direction—on issues such as poverty, the environment, migration, and the lingering effects of cultural and religious colonization.
Figures like Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of the Democratic Republic of Congo, known for his commitment to social justice; Peter Turkson, a champion of intercultural dialogue in the Vatican; or Robert Sarah, a staunch defender of Church tradition, each carry a personal story, a cultural identity, and an African grounding that could help rebalance the Church’s global priorities.
A Lever of Dignity and Influence for Africa
On the political and diplomatic front, the election of an African pope would have a profound impact. It would boost Africa’s soft power, still too often sidelined in global decision-making forums. An African pope could become a moral ambassador for the continent, advocating for economic justice, cultural sovereignty, peace, and reconciliation.
For African youth—often in search of direction and disillusioned with national institutions—such an election could spark renewed pride and hope. It would send a clear message: Africa can lead not only in its own affairs, but also in the spiritual destiny of the world.
However, this role would not come without challenges. An African pope would need to navigate a diverse, sometimes divided Church, where ideological tensions between tradition and modernity are palpable. He would have to balance his cultural roots with the universal mission of the Church.
He would also need to avoid becoming a symbolic figure with no real influence. Africa must not be treated as a backdrop or a moral token—it must have a seat at the table, be heard, respected, and consulted.
The 2025 conclave could be a historic moment—not just for the Catholic Church, but for all of Africa. If the next pope is African, it won’t be a favor granted to the continent. It will be the recognition of merit, vitality, and a living faith. And perhaps, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter where Africa is no longer merely evangelized, but becomes a driving force in evangelization—an active architect in building a Church reconciled with its future.
