Two African cardinals have emerged as leading figures in the race to succeed Pope Francis, who has died aged 88. The announcement of the pontiff’s death on Monday has prompted global mourning, but also speculation over a potentially historic shift in the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church—one that could see an African pope for the first time in modern history.
As tributes pour in and preparations for the funeral proceed, attention is turning to who will receive the white smoke of papal election. Among the contenders are Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson and Guinea’s Cardinal Robert Sarah.
Newsweek has reached out to the Vatican for comment.
Why It Matters
Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing Catholic populations and has over 250 million Catholics. Yet the continent has been largely absent from Vatican leadership for over 1,500 years. The elevation of an African pope would be not only symbolic but also reflective of the Church’s evolving global demographic footprint.
What to Know
In a deeply polarized church wrestling with questions of modernity, tradition and social justice, the views and legacies of these two African candidates may shape the next chapter of Catholic doctrine and diplomacy.
Peter Turkson of Ghana
Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, a former head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, advised Pope Francis on issues such as social justice, climate change and the Church’s stance on homosexuality.
Turkson’s relatively liberal positions have sparked division within Vatican circles, though his international profile and advisory role under Francis give him significant weight among the College of Cardinals. His election would make him the first Black African pope in history.
Robert Sarah of Guinea
Cardinal Robert Sarah, 79, is a noted conservative voice. He served as prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments until 2021. Sarah has vocally opposed gender ideology and condemned Islamic extremism, earning him strong support among traditionalist factions within the Church.
What Is the Historical Context?
The vast majority of popes have come from Italy (217), along with 16 from France and six from Germany. A small number have come from the likes of modern-day Spain and Portugal and Francis was the first pope from the Americas. Three have come from Africa—all during antiquity. Those pontiffs—Victor I, Miltiades, and Gelasius I—came from Africa Proconsularis, a Roman province largely corresponding to modern-day Tunisia.
What Happens Next
Following Pope Francis’s funeral, the College of Cardinals will enter a conclave to elect the next pontiff—one whose origins may signal a shift for the global Church.
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