Can a black man become the next pope?

A global imagination appears larger than before as the Catholic Church prepares for a historic conclave following the death of Pope Francis. With 135 cardinal electors set to convene next month, the question on many minds is whether this could be the moment for a Black man to ascend to the papacy a milestone that would mark a shift for the Church. Africa, home to the world’s fastest-growing Catholic population, is at the heart of this conversation, with voices advocating for a pope who reflects the continent’s vibrant faith. However, history, politics, and cultural dynamics collide, the path to a Black pope remains filled with challenges. Could Africa produce the next Vicar of Christ?

The history and legacy of the African papacy

Permit me to walk down memory lane, Africa is no stranger to the papacy, though its contributions are often overlooked, three African popes: Victor I (189-199), Miltiades (311-314), and Gelasius I (492-496)—served in the early Church, all hailing from North Africa and possibly of Black descent. Victor I, credited with transitioning the Western Church’s Mass to Latin, and Gelasius I, who championed charity by mandating bishops donate to the poor, left lasting legacies. Bishop John Ricard, a prominent African-American prelate, told the outlet, “More should be known about these three African popes,” highlighting their significance. Yet, in the modern era, no Black man has held the papacy, making the prospect of a contemporary African pope an interesting possibility.

Why Africa should produce the next pope

The Catholic Church in Africa is booming, with millions of faithfuls and converts annually, a number growing faster than anywhere else. Nigeria alone boasts over 30 million Catholics, while other countries like Mali, despite its smaller size, has a vibrant Catholic minority. This demographic surge has fueled calls for an African pope, as Father Stan Chu Ilo, a Nigerian priest: “The leadership of the Church should better reflect the make-up of the global congregation.” Cardinals like Ghana’s Peter Turkson, Guinea’s Robert Sarah, and Congo’s Fridolin Ambongo Besungu are often cited as top contenders, with Turkson’s long Vatican tenure making him a favorite among African Catholics.

RELATED STORIES

Ash Wednesday: Origin, significance, meaning behind the Christian ritual

Africans are a special case– What Pope Francis said on blessing same-sex marriage

The Sacred Conclave: Origin, tradition, process of electing a Pope

The challenges that prevents an African pope

Despite Africa’s rise, the road to getting a Black pope is not an easy one. Father Ilo noted a key hurdle: “You don’t have any senior African clergy holding any important position today at the Vatican”. This lack of representation in the Church’s highest levels limits African cardinals’ visibility and influence. Additionally, cultural differences pose a challenge, African cardinals like Turkson, Sarah, and Besungu are united in rejecting same-sex marriages, aligning with the continent’s conservative stance where homosexual relationships are widely outlawed. This position, while dominant in Africa, clashes with more progressive factions in Europe and the Americas, potentially affecting the decisions of the conclave who are largely from these other regions.

Aside cultural differences, Africa has for long been the breeding ground for ethnic and political unrest take for example the Rwandan genocide, multiple coup plots, and series of economic underdevelopment just makes it nearly impossible for Africa to produce the next pope. Hence critics may feel like using the biblical reference “remove the stones from your own eyes before removing the ones from others”. Imagine a pope who has not been able to address the situation of his country; don’t you think it is like a blind man helping a fellow blind man for both can fall into the pit. An African pope would be great, but our politics might scare the Vatican.

What a Black pope could do if elected

A Black pope could be a transformative symbol for the Church, signaling inclusivity and renewal. African Catholics argue that a Black pope would uphold traditional values, resisting Western pressures on issues like same-sex relationships. Beyond symbolism, an African pope could address the continent’s unique challenges: poverty, conflict, and evangelization with more experience and insight. A European pope or from another continent could reduce political tensions in Africa but an African pope might better embody the Church’s global future, as they possess the ability to pull the attention of the global community to the dictates of the church.

Conclusion

As the conclave nears, the odds remain stacked against an African pope. Despite having the world’s fastest-growing Catholic population, odds are against Africa producing the next pope. The Vatican’s Eurocentric power structure, cultural differences, and Africa’s lack of senior representation tilt the scales toward a moderate like Pietro Parolin. Yet, the Holy Spirit, guides the electors, which is something that keeps hope alive. For now, a Black pope remains a distant dream, but Africa’s growing voice ensures it is a dream that will not fade quietly. For now, the world watches and prays.