Africa shows the fastest growth in the Catholic population worldwide, making up more than half of all new Catholics. The last pope from Africa died over 1,500 years ago, but many people think it might be time for another African leader of the church.
Father Stan Chu Ilo believes an African pope would better represent global Catholics. He admits cardinals will likely pick someone already famous. The problem is that few African clergy hold important Vatican jobs right now. Guinea's Cardinal Robert Sarah, DR Congo's Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, and Ghana's Cardinal Peter Turkson could become strong candidates.
Pope Francis increased African cardinals from 8 percent to 12 percent during his time as pope. He visited ten African countries as Catholic numbers rose to 281 million there. Father Paulinus Ikechukwu Odozor dislikes focusing on where a pope comes from, calling it tokenism. He wants someone who knows church tradition well, regardless of nationality.
African bishops rejected Pope Francis's move to allow blessings for same-sex couples. This issue unites most African church leaders. Both priests interviewed mentioned racism as a problem that might stop an African from becoming pope. Catholic leadership still lacks real power for Africans despite growing numbers.
Father Stan Chu Ilo believes an African pope would better represent global Catholics. He admits cardinals will likely pick someone already famous. The problem is that few African clergy hold important Vatican jobs right now. Guinea's Cardinal Robert Sarah, DR Congo's Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, and Ghana's Cardinal Peter Turkson could become strong candidates.
Pope Francis increased African cardinals from 8 percent to 12 percent during his time as pope. He visited ten African countries as Catholic numbers rose to 281 million there. Father Paulinus Ikechukwu Odozor dislikes focusing on where a pope comes from, calling it tokenism. He wants someone who knows church tradition well, regardless of nationality.
African bishops rejected Pope Francis's move to allow blessings for same-sex couples. This issue unites most African church leaders. Both priests interviewed mentioned racism as a problem that might stop an African from becoming pope. Catholic leadership still lacks real power for Africans despite growing numbers.
