Following the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, the Catholic Church has entered a period of mourning and transition as it prepares to elect a new pope to lead its 1.3 billion members worldwide.
The selection of a new pope follows long-established Vatican procedures rooted in centuries of tradition. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the papal conclave, which will be held in the Sistine Chapel. There, they will cast secret ballots in a series of voting rounds.
To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority. If no one reaches that threshold in a given round, the ballots are burned. The black smoke that rises from the Sistine Chapel chimney signals to observers that no decision has been made. Once a consensus is achieved, white smoke will appear, indicating that a new pope has been chosen.
Contenders for the Papacy
As the Church prepares for the conclave, several high-ranking cardinals have emerged as potential successors to Pope Francis. Among the most talked-about candidates are three prominent African cardinals, whose candidacies reflect the growing influence of the continent within the global Church.
Pope Francis made history as the first pontiff from South America. Now, many observers and faithful across Africa are hopeful that the next pope might come from their continent.
Cardinal Peter Turkson – Ghana
At 76, Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana is considered one of the leading contenders. He was a prominent candidate during the 2013 conclave and is seen as having broader support this time. If elected, he would become the first African pope.
Cardinal Turkson is known for his progressive stance on social justice, his criticism of neoliberal capitalism, and his efforts in peacebuilding.
Cardinal Robert Sarah – Guinea
Another notable African contender is Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea. Aged 79, he is widely respected for his conservative theological views and his close association with Pope Benedict XVI, under whom he served as President of the Pontifical Council.
Cardinal Sarah has held influential roles within the Vatican since 2001 and is admired for his deep spiritual commitment. Although some believed his strongest chance came during the 2013 conclave, his experience and reputation continue to make him a significant figure among the papabile.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu – Democratic Republic of Congo
The youngest of the African candidates, 65-year-old Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu is the Archbishop of Kinshasa and a rising name on the lists of potential successors. He is known for his bold leadership in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly for challenging the government.
Cardinal Besungu has played a vital role in the expansion of Catholicism in Central Africa and is seen as a strong, reform-minded leader within the Church.
What Comes Next
The papal conclave is expected to begin 15 to 20 days after Pope Francis’s death. This allows time for the funeral, the traditional nine-day mourning period known as the novemdiales, and for cardinals from around the world to arrive in Vatican City.
Until the conclave concludes and white smoke rises above the Sistine Chapel, the identity of the next pope will remain a matter of global anticipation.
