Africans are hoping one of their own could become the first Black pope in over a millennium and build on Francis' legacy of championing the developing world, though the chances of that happening appear slim.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at age 88 from a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis Dies

At a church in Ivory Coast, some African Catholics are expressing a desire for the next pope to be of African descent, potentially marking the first Black pope in modern history. This sentiment is shared by Jean-Luc Gobert, who wishes for either a Black pope or a white pope who embodies true leadership. Despite this hope, Vatican insiders remain doubtful about the chances of African cardinals being selected, as they haven't faced the same level of public scrutiny as their Western counterparts—a significant factor for an institution that has experienced scandals in recent years.

There are several compelling reasons for considering an African pope. As of 2023, the African continent held approximately 20% of the world's Catholic population. Additionally, it is the region where the Catholic Church is experiencing the fastest growth, according to Vatican data. Some scholars argue that an African pope would be historically significant, as early church research indicates that some first millennium popes may have been born in North Africa or were of African descent, although available details are limited.

Among the African clergy suggested as potential papal candidates are Ghana's Cardinal Peter Kodwa Pia Turkson, Ivory Coast's Cardinal Inyas Besidokbo, and the Archbishop of Democratic Republic of Congo's Kinshasa, Fridolin Mbongo Bisongu. The appointment of an African cardinal as pope could be seen as an extension of Pope Francis' efforts to advocate for marginalized and oppressed communities. However, it is important to recognize that an African pope might not necessarily align with Francis' progressive social stances, as Africa's predominantly conservative Catholic faithful have shown discontent with certain reforms, such as the blessing of same-sex couples.



African Catholics root for first Black pope in modern history

At this church in Ivory Coast, some African Catholics are hoping that one of their own could become the first black pope in modern history. Among them, Jean-Luc Gobert. He says his greatest wish is for the next pope to be a black man. And if not, then a white man who is truly a leader. However, while some African contenders' names have been circulating, Vatican insiders are skeptical that any of them have a realistic chance. That's partly because none have been subjected to the same level of public scrutiny as most Western cardinals. And that is a potential concern for an institution that has been shaken by devastating scandals in recent decades. Though there are several arguments for an African pope. The continent boasted around 20 percent of the world's Catholics in 2023. It is also, according to Vatican figures, where the Catholic Church is growing fastest. And some suggest an African pope is long overdue. Scholars researching the early church have cited evidence that some first millennium popes were born in North Africa or were of African descent, though details are scant. Among African names tipped to be potential candidates are Ghana's Cardinal Peter Kodwa Pia Turkson, Ivory Coast's Cardinal Inyas Besidokbo, and the Archbishop of Democratic Republic of Congo's Kinshasa, Fridolin Mbongo Bisongu. The elevation of an African cardinal to the papal throne would be widely interpreted as a continuation of Francis' track record of standing up for the poor and oppressed, migrants and civilians fleeing war. But an African pope would not necessarily embrace Francis' more socially progressive positions. In particular, approving the blessing of same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis has already angered Africa's overwhelmingly conservative faithful.

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Pope Francis Dies