African Catholics are sad about Pope Francis's death. They thought he really cared about their continent. Africa has nearly one-fifth of all Catholics, with 272 million church members. Many leaders praised him for speaking up for people with less power. Nigeria's president called him a helper of poor people.
More Africans join the Catholic faith every year. Seven million people converted last year alone. A woman from Ghana said this Pope made everyone feel welcome in the church. Another person mentioned his love for people without much money. Catholics in Kenya remember him as someone who wanted equal treatment for all.
Pope Francis visited Africa five times during his life and traveled to ten different countries across the continent. His last trip was to South Sudan in 2023. The Pope often talked about bringing peace to places where fighting occurs. He once kissed the feet of South Sudan's fighting leaders.
Catholic experts say Francis brought attention to how important Africa is for the church. He created new African cardinals, but the continent still needs more leaders at the Vatican. Many people wonder if the next Pope might come from Africa. One church father said an African Pope would happen someday.
More Africans join the Catholic faith every year. Seven million people converted last year alone. A woman from Ghana said this Pope made everyone feel welcome in the church. Another person mentioned his love for people without much money. Catholics in Kenya remember him as someone who wanted equal treatment for all.
Pope Francis visited Africa five times during his life and traveled to ten different countries across the continent. His last trip was to South Sudan in 2023. The Pope often talked about bringing peace to places where fighting occurs. He once kissed the feet of South Sudan's fighting leaders.
Catholic experts say Francis brought attention to how important Africa is for the church. He created new African cardinals, but the continent still needs more leaders at the Vatican. Many people wonder if the next Pope might come from Africa. One church father said an African Pope would happen someday.
