Is It Time for an African Pope?

|Published 12:50 PM ET, Tuesday April 22, 2025|

In the wake of growing calls for inclusivity and representation in global institutions, the question resonates louder than ever within the Roman Catholic Church: Is it time for an African Pope? For a Church that prides itself on universality, the symbolism of leadership matters — and the time may be ripe for the papal mantle to rest on African shoulders.

Africa is one of the most dynamic centers of Catholic growth in the 21st century. While churches in Europe and North America grapple with declining attendance and secularization, Africa has seen an explosion of faith. The continent is now home to more than 250 million Catholics, and projections suggest this number will soar in the coming decades. African clergy and lay leaders are not just holding the line; they are revitalizing the Church with energy, conviction, and deep-rooted spirituality.

Yet, despite this growth, representation at the highest levels of the Vatican remains Eurocentric. Since the Church’s inception, the papacy has largely rotated through European lineage — with only a few exceptions in ancient times. The appointment of Pope Francis from Latin America marked a historic deviation from the norm, symbolizing a shift towards global inclusion. An African Pope would not only extend this trajectory but also be a profound affirmation of the Church’s claim to universality.

The argument is not merely symbolic. African cardinals such as Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana and Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea have long been respected voices within the Vatican. They bring not only theological rigor but also a grounded perspective shaped by their continent’s complex socio-political realities — from poverty and conflict to resilience and faith.

Critics may raise concerns about conservatism or cultural divergence, but this overlooks the Church’s foundational principle: unity in diversity. An African Pope would not be a departure from doctrine but an embodiment of the Church’s living, breathing global body. He would bring to the papacy a lived experience of Christianity that resonates deeply with millions across the developing world — a voice from the Global South at the helm of a historically Northern institution.

Moreover, in a world increasingly fractured along racial, cultural, and ideological lines, the election of an African Pope could serve as a healing gesture — not just for the Church but for humanity. It would show that faith knows no borders, that leadership is not confined to geography, and that the Church truly belongs to all its people.

As the conclave of tomorrow looms — whenever that may be — the College of Cardinals will once again carry the weighty task of choosing a shepherd for 1.3 billion Catholics. When that time comes, they must not overlook the quiet revolution already underway in Africa. Perhaps now, more than ever, the Church needs a voice from the continent that has given it so much — a voice to lead, to inspire, and to unify.

Yes, it may well be time for an African Pope. And the world — not just Africa — is ready.

Author: Dr. Omoruyi is the publisher of iNewsAfrica, an online news platform dedicated to delivering eyewitness news from Africa to a global audience.