KAMPALA, Uganda — The anticipation surrounding the possibility of the next pope hailing from sub-Saharan Africa stirs excitement in the Catholic community. Should this happen, it would mark a historic first in the annals of the Catholic Church. The election process will soon commence, with cardinals gathering for their conclave next Wednesday at the Sistine Chapel to choose a successor to Pope Francis.
Currently, three African cardinals are considered frontrunners, or “papabile,” in the papal election discussions, according to Vatican observers. These are Cardinals Robert Sarah from Guinea, Peter Turkson from Ghana, and Fridolin Ambongo from the Congo. If one of them is chosen, he would be the first African pope in more than 1,500 years, and notably, the first from sub-Saharan Africa. This potential change is eagerly anticipated throughout Africa, although many remain cautiously hopeful.
Back in 2005, during the conclave that selected Pope Benedict XVI, there was significant media speculation about Francis Arinze from Nigeria, pointing to early discussions about diversity at the Vatican’s helm. Fast forward nearly two decades, and the landscape has shifted significantly. Catholicism is declining in Europe, but flourishing in the developing world, especially Africa, where the number of Catholics is increasing rapidly. The continent now accounts for at least 20% of the global Catholic population.
A pope from Africa could signify a strong inclusivity message worldwide. However, as witnessed during Pope Francis’ tenure, such inclusive moves could also invite opposition. The cardinal candidates from Africa — Sarah, Ambongo, and Turkson — are known for their orthodox views, in line with the socially conservative norms prevalent in Africa. This stands in contrast to Pope Francis’ approach, which is viewed as more inclusive, particularly towards marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ+ community.
In recent fictional portrayals, such as the Oscar-nominated film “Conclave,” an African cardinal played a significant role, showcasing potential real-world scenarios. Among the key figures, Cardinal Ambongo of the Congo, where Catholicism thrives, has vocally opposed certain Vatican decisions. As the Archbishop of Kinshasa, he and other African bishops have rejected the idea of priests offering blessings to same-sex unions, citing traditional scriptural teachings.
Cardinal Sarah, previously the Vatican’s liturgy chief, is a prominent figure among traditionalists who favor older church practices like the Latin Mass. Unlike Pope Francis’ restrictions, Sarah supports longstanding doctrinal observance and criticized the restriction on the Latin Mass brought back by Francis. He also stirred controversy with his earlier public position on priestly celibacy, challenging some of the changes proposed by Francis.
In Africa, many Catholics hold Pope Francis in high regard for addressing the continent’s diverse issues. There is a general desire for a pope who can unify the global church, irrespective of his race. Luka Lawrence Ndenge from South Sudan underscores the importance of character over ethnicity in the next pope. Bishop Tesfaselassie Medhin of Ethiopia expressed his wish for a pope as compassionate as Francis, emphasizing the crucial role of empathy in leadership.
In Uganda, Emily Mwaka advocates concentrating less on the potential pope’s racial background, urging focus on his capabilities and willingness to lead for all people. The next pope, according to her, should embody values and wisdom that transcend regional and racial divisions, leading the Catholic Church forward with dedication and insight.