The passing of Pope Francis has sparked renewed interest in the future of Catholic leadership. For many in the African diaspora and beyond, the question is urgent and compelling: Could the Church finally see its first Black pope?
As the conclave approaches, the list of potential successors includes several African cardinals with global stature. Their presence in the conversation reflects the changing demographics of the Catholic Church Africa is one of the fastest-growing centers of Catholicism.
How the Conclave Works
The process for electing a new pope follows centuries of tradition. The College of Cardinals comprising all cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. They are sequestered from the outside world, without phones or contact, until a consensus is reached.
Voting takes place up to four times a day. A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected. When a new pope is chosen, white smoke rises from the chapel’s chimney, a signal to the world that the Church has a new leader.
Key African Contenders
Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea, age 79)
Source: The Catholic world report
A leading conservative voice, Cardinal Sarah previously served as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Known for his theological clarity and traditional views, he is widely respected across ideological lines. While close to the age cutoff, his inclusion in the conversation reflects his influence within the Church.
Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana, age 76)
Source: Ameyawdebrah
Cardinal Turkson has long been a prominent figure in Vatican leadership. He served as President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and was later appointed head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. He is known for his work on global justice, migration, and economic inequality.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (DR Congo, age 65)
Source: RFI
As Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Ambongo has been vocal on issues ranging from corruption to climate justice. He is considered a strong voice for the Global South and represents the growing moral authority of the African Church.
Global Frontrunners from Outside Africa
While much of the speculation includes African names, other likely candidates come from across the world.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67):
Source: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila
A leading voice from Asia, Tagle holds a top role in the Vatican’s evangelization office and is known for his pastoral tone.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69):
Source: Reuters
A peace negotiator with strong ties to grassroots movements, Zuppi is gaining attention for his diplomatic and inclusive approach.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70):
Source: Vatican News
The Vatican Secretary of State, Parolin brings institutional continuity and diplomatic experience.
What a Black Pope Would Mean
The election of a Black pope would mark a major turning point for the Church. It would signal a deep recognition of the African Church’s contributions to global Catholicism and inspire Catholics across the diaspora. With African Catholics representing over 20% of the global Catholic population and rising the possibility is timely and reflective of where the Church is growing.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 conclave presents a critical opportunity for the Catholic Church to rethink representation and leadership. Whether or not a Black cardinal is elected pope, the global interest in African leadership is a testament to the region’s growing importance in shaping the Church’s future.
An election of a black pope would mean a further weakening of the Catholic Church. Besides overall racism, which is problematic, the African cardinals themselves are too conservative and too misogynistic to carry the Church into the changes it has to make in order to prevail in the coming decades. I do not mean drastic changes, I mean just keeping the church on an even keel, making it welcoming to all. . An African pope would drive Catholicism back to the Middle Ages. or worse, and drive many Catholics into other Christian faiths – many of which already have the reforms that many Catholics seek.