The 18 African Cardinals Who May Choose the Next Pope
As the Catholic Church marches into a rapidly changing world, the College of Cardinals holds enormous influence over its future. One of its most important functions is the election of a new pope in a conclave when a pope dies or resigns. Africa has emerged as a spiritual giant within the global Catholic Church in recent years, and 18 African cardinals are now potential kingmakers at the next papal conclave.
Africa's Catholic population is growing faster than any other continent. The Vatican reports the continent now has over 250 million Catholics. With churches packed with youth and vocations on the rise, African voices carry more weight within Church ranks. This transformation is reflected in the growing number of cardinals from the continent — from a mere few dozen a generation back to the current 18, all under the age of 80 and thus eligible to take part in a conclave.
A Diverse and Influential Group
These African cardinals are from 15 countries, each having different views according to local conditions. One of the most familiar is Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, who has been long considered papabile — a term applied to describe one considered to be a potential papal candidate. Turkson is known for his promotion of social justice and the environment and has held many powerful positions in the Roman Curia, such as Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Another high-profile cardinal is Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga of the Central African Republic, the youngest African cardinal, created at 49. He has been a beacon of peace and interfaith understanding in a nation divided by civil war. His leadership with Muslim and Protestant leaders has drawn international praise and highlighted the Church's potential as a unifying force in fractured societies.
From the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria, Cardinals John Onaiyekan and Peter Okpaleke represent a nation with the world's fastest-growing Catholic population. Okpaleke's story is particularly inspiring: having been resisted and compelled to resign as bishop in one diocese, he was appointed to a newly created one and then made cardinal as a reward for his service and faith.
The African Voice in a Global Church
These cardinals bring in some key points of critique regarding the issues the Church must address, including migration, poverty, climate change, and women. African clergy are inclined to promote more conservative views on issues like sexuality and liturgy as a counterbalance to other more liberal voices from Europe and the Americas.
Pope Francis, eager to decentralise the Church and put the voice of the peripheries in the centre, has promoted quite a few such African cardinals. He has time and again emphasised the need for the Church to become a listening church in the Global South — and the African cardinals are centrally important to the vision.
Possible Papal Power
While none of the African cardinals are yet a front-runner to be pope, the bloc's influence in shaping the next pontificate is undeniable. During the 2013 conclave that chose Pope Francis, only 11 African cardinals participated. With 18 voters now, their voices are being heard more strongly.
Their growing presence not only signify demographic changes but also the Vatican's recognition of Africa's role in the future of Catholicism. When the next conclave comes around — sooner or later — the work of these African cardinals will be crucial to deciding who takes their seat next in the white cassock.
In a Church increasingly defined by its world face, its 18 African cardinals reflect its dynamic present life and possible future.
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The 18 African Cardinals Who May Choose the Next Pope
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