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Catholics gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral in Abidjan on Wednesday for a solemn mass in memory of Pope Francis, whose recent passing has left a deep mark across Africa, where he was widely respected for his commitment to peace, social justice, and inclusion.
During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis visited 10 African countries, building bridges in conflict zones and amplifying the voices of the marginalized. His legacy has stirred hope among some African Catholics that his successor could come from the continent.
“If, by God’s grace, an African pope is elected, it will be an immense joy for Africa,” said Jean Bellemou, a worshipper at the memorial mass. “Pope Francis did so much for us.”
As cardinals prepare to enter the papal conclave on 7 May, speculation is swirling about the possibility of an African pope. Among the names floated are Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The idea of an African pope has been described as “electrifying” by Miles Pattenden, a University of Oxford historian who studies the Catholic Church. “It would signal a truly global vision for the Church, one that many around the world would welcome,” he said.
However, Pattenden cautioned that such a shift might also represent a return to more conservative doctrine, in contrast to Pope Francis’ relatively liberal stance on issues like LGBTQ+ inclusion and environmental stewardship. “While it could inspire many,” he noted, “it might also deepen divisions already present within the Church.”
Despite the enthusiasm, Vatican observers remain skeptical about the chances of an African cardinal being elected, citing internal Church dynamics and voting blocs that tend to favor candidates from Europe or Latin America.
Still, hope remains strong in Africa, where Pope Francis’ death is not just the end of a papacy, but the closing of a chapter that deeply connected the Vatican to the continent’s faithful.
