Could the Next Pope Be Black? African Cardinals Emerge as Key Contenders After Pope Francis’s Death

      The death of Pope Francis at age 88 has not only ushered in a time of global mourning but also ignited fervent speculation over who will lead the Roman Catholic Church into its next chapter. At the heart of the conversation is a historic question: Could the next pope be Black?

For the first time in centuries, several African cardinals are being seriously considered as potential successors to the papacy. The names most frequently mentioned include Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea. Also rising in visibility is Cardinal Ignace Bessi Dogbo of Ivory Coast, appointed just last year.

      The possibility of a Black pope has long seemed remote, but the shifting demographics of global Catholicism are hard to ignore. Africa now accounts for nearly 20% of the world’s Catholics, with more than 250 million adherents and rapid annual growth. The Vatican itself has acknowledged this trend, noting a significant increase in African Catholic conversions in recent years—even amid violence, persecution, and political instability.

      Among the most prominent figures is Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, who served as the head of the Vatican’s department for social justice and human development. A long-time adviser to Pope Francis, Turkson is known for his focus on climate change, poverty, and inequality—issues that echo Francis’s own priorities. Though viewed as moderate by Vatican standards, Turkson has at times been criticized for conservative statements on homosexuality. Still, he has since tempered his tone, calling for greater education and dialogue and has been discussed as a possible pope for over a decade.

      Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, Archbishop of Kinshasa, has emerged as a strong and younger contender. A voice for peace in the conflict-ridden DRC, Ambongo has been praised for his moral leadership and in 2020, Pope Francis appointed him to the Council of Cardinals, a cabinet of papal advisers Francis convened on a regular basis. However, like many African Church leaders, he opposed Francis’s decision to bless same-sex couples, reflecting Africa’s more conservative stance on social issues.

      Cardinal Robert Sarah, at 79, is a powerful conservative voice within the Vatican. Once considered a strong candidate, his age may now work against him. Sarah has spoken out forcefully against Islamic extremism, gender ideology, and Western secularism. While he commands respect among traditionalists, his hardline views may not resonate with all members of the conclave.

      Meanwhile, Cardinal Ignace Bessi Dogbo, 63, is gaining traction. Elevated to cardinal in 2024, Dogbo has emphasized the need for global representation in Church leadership, stating, “Having cardinals from every part of the world truly translates the universality of the Church.”

      The last three African popes—Victor I, Miltiades, and Gelasius I—led the Church more than 1,500 years ago during the Roman Empire. All were from North Africa and served during early Christianity. Since then, papal leadership has largely been confined to Europe. Pope Francis broke ground as the first Latin American pontiff. Could his successor now come from Africa?

      Many African Catholics believe the time is ripe. “To have a Black pope would revive the Christian faith in Africa and change people’s views of Africa,” said Charles Yapi, a priest in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie of Ghana echoed that sentiment, saying Turkson’s election “would motivate all bishops on the continent.”

      Yet challenges remain. While African candidates bring authenticity, faith, and dynamic leadership, they also reflect the continent’s more conservative outlook, which may not align with the pastoral and doctrinal tone set by Pope Francis. According to author and papal expert Greg Tobin, African cardinals can sometimes be seen as “a mixed bag”—championing orthodoxy but lacking the nuanced, progressive approach sought by some cardinal-electors.

      As the College of Cardinals prepares for the conclave that will decide the next pope this month, the eyes of the world—and the hopes of millions of African Catholics—turn to Rome. Whether or not the white smoke signals a new era of representation remains to be seen.

      One thing is clear: the possibility of the first Black pope in modern history now stands as a real and imminent possibility.