Clergy member participating in a discussion on humanitarian aid and funding challenges in Ethiopia.
With the papacy in sede vacante following Pope Francis’ death, the conversation has turned to the potential successors of the deceased Holy Father. According to experts, it is highly likely that the next pope will come from Africa, particularly as the church’s growth surges on the continent. For instance, more people joined the Catholic Church in Africa in 2024 than in any other region. Because of this, experts believe choosing an African pope is important as it will provide representation for the church’s fastest-growing region. Additionally, some believe that the conservatism of the African church can bring balance and unite diverse global views within the Vatican. That being said, African papal candidates include Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana, and Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea.