By Abdul Bero Kamara-
22nd April 2025
As the world mourns Pope Francis and commemorates his life and legacy, his death also marks the beginning of a leadership transition period at the Vatican known as the interregnum, during which there is no Pope in power (referred to as sede vacante or the “vacant seat”).
This moment in history is not only significant because it signals a change in but also raises intriguing question about the future direction of the Catholic Church, regarding the possibility of an African pope.
The Roman Catholic Church, with its deep-rooted traditions and rituals, follows a structured process for selecting a new pope through a conclave. This conclave is an act of supreme secrecy, held behind closed doors, where the College of Cardinals gathers to deliberate and vote on the next leader of the Church. The conclave’s process is steeped in history, and its outcomes can have profound implications for the Church’s global mission.
How Do Cardinals Elect a New Pope?
The next pope will be chosen by the College of Cardinals, the Catholic Church’s most senior figures, who are appointed by the pontiff. Cardinals are tasked with guiding the Church and are often seen as the primary decision-makers during this critical transition.
They will travel to Rome in the coming days for the conclave. Globally, there are more than 250 cardinals from over 90 countries, Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, known as cardinal electors leaving 120 who may qualify to participate in the conclave.These electors are all male and represent a diverse array of cultures and perspectives from around the world.
Among the nine cardinals considered front-runners for the papacy are two prominent African candidates: Peter Turkson of Ghana and Robert Sarah of Guinea.
Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana
Ghanaian cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson currently holds 5:1 odds in betting markets. At 76 years old, he is a prominent figure within the Church’s social justice circles. He has extensive experience includes serving the former head of Dicastery for Prom Integral Human Development, where he has been a vocal advocate on pressing global issues such as climate change, poverty, and economic justice. Cardinal Turkson’s election would not only be historic due to his African heritage but also signify a shift towards a more inclusive leadership in the papal history. Cardinal Turkson’s leadership could continue this legacy of compassion and advocacy, reflecting the growing influence of African voices within the Church.
Cardinal Robert Sarah of Republic of Guinea
Cardinal Robert Sarah :At 79, Robert Sarah is the oldest candidate and one of the most conservative. Cardinal Sarah entered seminary at just 12 years old, and his ascent within the Church hierarchy culminated in appointment as a cardinal in 2010. He is multilingual, speaking French, Spanish, Italian, and English fluently, which positions him as a bridge between cultures and communities. Cardinal Sarah has been a controversial figure, often associated with traditionalist views that emphasize a return to classical teachings. His candidacy reflects a desire among some factions within the Church for a more conservative leadership that could steer the Church back to its foundational principles. If elected, Sarah would have the opportunity to influence the Church’s direction, particularly in addressing contemporary issues that challenge traditional Catholic doctrine.
The Sign of an African Pope If either Turkson or Sarah wins the papacy, it would be a significant historical event, as Africa would have produced a Black pope to lead the largest Christian denomination in the world, which boasts over 1.3 billion followers globally. An African pope could bring fresh perspectives on pressing issues such as poverty, migration, and interfaith dialogue, which are particularly relevant in these regions.
It is worth noting that the most recent African pontiff was Pope Gelasius, who served from 492 to 496 AD. Born in Rome to African parents, Gelasi was known for his theological writings and strong advocacy for charity and for the poor.
Predicting the Outcome
Predicting the outcome of the highly secretive papal conclave is nearly impossible, as the cardinals’ positions may shift over successive votes. Some may attempt to influence the chances of their favour, or unfavoured and complicating process further. The conclave in 2013 saw few predicting that Jorge Mario Bergoglio ( Pope Francis ) would become the next pope,
However, the current speculation surrounding Turkson and Sarah underscores the uncertainty and intrigue that accompany this pivotal moment in Church history.
What Happens Next?
The conclave typically meet between 15 and 20 days after a pope’s death. This period allows for the funeral rites, a nine-day mourning phase known as the novemdiales, and provides time for cardinals worldwide to travel to Vatican City. The conclave will take place in the iconic Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals will cast their votes in secrecy.
The outcome will remain uncertain until a pope is chosen behind the closed doors of the chapel, as ideological factions within the Church weigh their options between continuity and a more conservative shift.
The next pope will inherit a Church at a crossroads grappling with declining influence in Europe and North America, significant growth in the Global South, and ongoing internal debates about its future direction.
As the world watches this historic moment unfold, Catholics everywhere will be left to ponder the implications of a potential African pope, whose leadership could redefine the Church’s and vision for the 21st century.
The choice of the next pontiff will not only shape the future of the catholic church but also reflect the landscape of global Christianity where voices from every corner of the world must be heard and valued.
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