JOHANNESBURG: The possibility of the next Pope hailing from Africa is gaining traction among analysts, citing the continent’s booming Christian population. Catholicism is experiencing a surge in Africa, with more individuals embracing the faith there than anywhere else globally. Millions of Africans remain devoted to their beliefs, even in the face of persecution and death.
According to the Vatican, Africa saw the largest increase in Catholics, with 7,271,000 new members in the past year, as reported in October 2024.
The National Catholic Register reported in 2023 that the Catholic population in Africa has grown from under 1 million in 1910 to 265 million.
Digital has identified three leading African candidates for the papacy: Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, 76, from Ghana, and Cardinal Robert Sarah, 80, from Guinea, although the latter is considered a less likely choice due to his age.
Greg Tobin, author of “Conclave,” “Council,” and a biography of Pope John XXIII, told Digital, “It is certainly an appropriate time for the leader of the Catholic Church to come from Africa, a choice that would capture global attention.”
He added that the Church’s rapid growth in Africa, despite government opposition, persecution, and violence, combined with the high education levels of African bishops and cardinals, often educated in the West, makes it a compelling prospect.
Theologian and executive coach expressed optimism about an African Pope, noting to Digital that an African candidate could represent the Church’s fastest-growing region and potentially bridge ideological divides among cardinals.
Morris, a contributor, observed that the African Church is generally more conservative than its European and American counterparts, adding, “Wouldn’t these Europeans and Americans love to be part of making history!”
While this conservative leaning of African papal candidates is seen as favorable by some traditional Catholics, Gregory Tobin noted that many still prefer a less rigid Pope. Tobin, currently writing “The Mysteries of the Conclave,” explained that the perceived ambivalence or hardline conservatism of some African Church leaders might deter cardinal-electors seeking a more defined theological and pastoral approach.
Some analysts believe that selecting an African Pope would acknowledge the resilience of Christians in the face of persecution. While practicing Christianity openly is common in places like Texas, Christians in the DRC, where they make up 95% of the population, have faced brutal attacks, such as the massacre of 70 Christians in a church.
Digital reported in 2023 that over 52,000 Christians in Nigeria have been killed for their faith since 2009, according to Intersociety, a civil society group based in Onitsha.
Despite this, a 2023 report by Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) found that Nigeria has the highest number of practicing Catholics globally, followed by Kenya, with 94% and 73% respectively attending Mass weekly or more frequently.
Greg Tobin shared his views on the leading candidates. He described Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the DRC as a leading candidate, while noting that he is not considered strong or consistent in his theological teachings but he is a vocal opponent of the dictatorial leadership of his country.
Regarding Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson of Ghana, Tobin said he served as head of a task force monitoring the pandemic’s effects on churches and Catholic institutions. He is respected, liked by Pope Francis, and palatable to Western prelates, but his visibility has diminished recently. His election would be a surprise akin to Pope Francis’ in 2013.
Tobin noted that Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea is ineligible to vote in the conclave due to his age, making him a long shot candidate.
It’s worth noting that if an African is chosen as the next Pope, he would not be the first. Victor I, from North Africa, was Pope from 189-199, followed by Miltiades and Gelasius I.