An African Could Be Next Pope But Social Progression Uncertain

As Catholics worldwide prepare for a new papal election following the death of Pope Francis on Monday, many Africans are hoping to see the first Black pope in modern history. Such a selection would acknowledge the continent's growing importance to the Catholic Church, but might also signal a shift in social policies.

"To have a Black pope would revive the Christian faith in Africa and change people's views of Africa, by showing that an African can hold this office," said Charles Yapi, a Catholic priest in Ivory Coast's commercial capital Abidjan.

According to recent Vatican figures, the African continent is where the Roman Catholic Church is growing fastest, now representing about 20% of the world's Catholics with 9 million new worshippers added in 2022 alone.

Among the African contenders being discussed are Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, 76, Democratic Republic of Congo's Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, and Ivory Coast's Cardinal Ignace Bessi Dogbo, 63. However, Vatican insiders remain skeptical about their chances, partly because these candidates haven't undergone the same public scrutiny as their Western counterparts.

Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie in Accra believes selecting Turkson would appropriately recognize Africa's growing Catholic population and inspire church leadership across the continent. "Although it's something I cannot bet on, as the cardinals who will make the selection will be led by the Holy Spirit, it will be good to have him as the next pope," Kwofie stated.

An African pope would likely continue Francis's advocacy for the developing world, migrants, and those fleeing war. Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi recalled Francis's powerful message during a 2023 visit: "Take your hands off the Democratic Republic of Congo. Take your hands off Africa! Stop suffocating Africa: it is not a mine to be exploited nor a land to be plundered."

However, on social issues, an African pontiff might diverge from Francis's more progressive positions. Many African clergy have opposed Francis's approval of blessings for same-sex couples. Priest Yapi suggested an African pope would firmly maintain that same-sex relationships are "not part of our culture" and "would not allow himself to be influenced to accept it."

Cardinal Turkson, who rose from humble beginnings as the fourth of ten children in a mining town, has shown evolution on some issues. Though he once controversially linked clerical abuse to homosexuality, he more recently stated that it was "time to begin education" on homosexuality, suggesting it was "not completely alien to Ghanaian society."

Cardinal Ambongo, despite being appointed to Francis's Council of Cardinals, has opposed the blessing of gay couples, warning it would expose the Church to scandals.

As cardinals prepare to elect a new pope, the choice between continuing Francis's social progressivism while maintaining his advocacy for the developing world presents a complex challenge that could influence the Church's direction for years to come.