As the global Catholic Church anticipates what could be one of its most consequential papal transitions in modern history, attention has increasingly turned to Africa as a continent that could produce the next Pope. The continent now represents over 20% of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, and its leadership within the Vatican is steadily growing. With the College of Cardinals becoming more diverse, several African cardinals under the age of 80 — the voting age for a conclave — are emerging as serious contenders for the papacy.
Here’s a closer look at the African cardinals most likely to be considered papabile (a cardinal considered eligible to be elected pope) and what makes them notable.
Cardinal Peter Turkson — Ghana
Born: October 11, 1948 (Age 76)
Current Role: Chancellor, Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences
Cardinal Turkson is one of Africa’s most recognized Catholic figures globally. Fluent in multiple languages and a biblical scholar, Turkson has served extensively within the Vatican, notably contributing to Pope Francis’ landmark environmental encyclical Laudato Si’. His experience in global diplomacy, including peace efforts in South Sudan, enhances his international reputation.
He has long been a voice for social justice, environmental stewardship, and interreligious dialogue — aligning with Francis’ focus on the marginalized and poor. However, his reassignment in 2021 to a less influential role may suggest waning influence among Vatican conservatives, who may also view his progressive leanings with caution.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu — Democratic Republic of Congo
Born: January 24, 1960 (Age 65)
Current Role: Archbishop of Kinshasa
Ambongo leads one of the largest Catholic populations in the world, overseeing over 7 million faithful in Kinshasa. As president of SECAM, he has become a unifying force for African bishops, commanding significant influence across the continent.
A theologically conservative voice, Ambongo notably opposed the 2023 Vatican document Fiducia Supplicans, which allowed blessings for same-sex couples — a position that could rally traditionalist cardinals seeking a departure from some of Pope Francis’ progressive policies. His leadership amid the DRC’s political and social crises has demonstrated his ability to balance pastoral care and public advocacy, qualities prized in a potential pope.
Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga — Central African Republic
Born: March 14, 1967 (Age 58)
Current Role: Archbishop of Bangui
The youngest African cardinal appointed by Pope Francis, Nzapalainga stands out for his youth, energy, and peacebuilding efforts in a region scarred by religious and ethnic conflict. His elevation at just 49 years old in 2016 underscored the Vatican’s commitment to spotlighting leadership from the Church’s peripheries.
Nzapalainga’s efforts in fostering interfaith dialogue and reconciliation between Christians and Muslims during the Central African Republic’s civil war earned him international recognition, including a nomination for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. While his limited Vatican experience may restrict his immediate papal chances, his charisma, diplomacy, and alignment with Francis’ priorities mark him as a long-term candidate.
Cardinal Stephen Brislin — South Africa
Born: September 24, 1956 (Age 68)
Current Role: Archbishop of Cape Town
Brislin, known for his calm, thoughtful leadership, has been a key figure in South Africa’s post-apartheid Catholic Church, advocating for justice, peace, and reconciliation. Elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2023, his appointment signaled Pope Francis’ confidence in his leadership.
His work in a country grappling with deep racial, economic, and social divides offers valuable experience in promoting healing and unity — skills relevant to a global church navigating similar challenges. Although he maintains a lower international profile compared to some counterparts, Brislin’s integrity and pastoral sensitivity position him as a respected, if less likely, candidate.
Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla — South Sudan
Born: January 10, 1964 (Age 61)
Current Role: Archbishop of Juba
Mulla’s appointment as South Sudan’s first cardinal in 2023 reflected Pope Francis’ commitment to conflict-affected regions. His leadership in South Sudan — a country beset by war, poverty, and religious strife — underscores his resilience and pastoral strength.
His presence alongside Pope Francis during the 2023 ecumenical pilgrimage to South Sudan, where he called for peace and national reconciliation, boosted his global profile. Despite controversy surrounding his appointment in 2019, his demonstrated leadership in one of the world’s toughest ecclesiastical environments makes him an intriguing, if lesser-known, contender.
Cardinal Protase Rugambwa — Tanzania
Born: May 31, 1960 (Age 64)
Current Role: Coadjutor Archbishop of Tabora
Rugambwa is a Vatican veteran, having held significant roles in the Roman Curia, particularly in overseeing global evangelization efforts. His experience places him at the administrative heart of the Church, giving him insights into both pastoral and bureaucratic governance.
While less publicly known than Turkson or Ambongo, Rugambwa is well-regarded within Vatican circles for his competence, humility, and missionary zeal. As a moderate, his candidacy could appeal to those seeking continuity with Francis’ emphasis on outreach and evangelisation, especially in Africa.
Why an African Pope now?
Historically, the early Church was led by three African popes — Victor I, Miltiades, and Gelasius I — all from North Africa. Should a pope be elected from sub-Saharan Africa, it would mark a historic first, reflecting Catholicism’s demographic shift southward.
Of 140 cardinal electors after the 2024 consistory, only 18 are African. However, Africa’s growing Catholic base and increasingly influential episcopacy suggest that its voice in future conclaves will be hard to ignore.
The current divide between conservative and progressive factions in the Church also complicates the prospects of African candidates, many of whom, like Ambongo, lean traditional on social issues while advocating for social justice in their contexts.
Among the African cardinals, Peter Turkson and Fridolin Ambongo Besungu stand out for their global stature, ecclesiastical leadership, and influence within both the Vatican and the African Church. Younger leaders like Nzapalainga, Mulla, Brislin, and Rugambwa reflect the Church’s vibrant future in Africa, even if their immediate papal prospects are slimmer.
As the Catholic world watches and speculates on the next conclave, Africa’s long-overdue prominence in papal succession remains one of the most fascinating and historic possibilities.
