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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 35422, member: 636"] Africans want one of their cardinals to become the first Black pope in modern history. They hope this would build on Pope Francis's championing of poor nations. Catholic numbers grow faster in Africa than anywhere else, according to recent Vatican data. African churchgoers at services honoring Francis after his death Monday said a Black pope should happen soon. Many believe it would change how people see Africa. Some scholars say early Church leaders came from North Africa, but details remain unclear. Several African names have emerged as possibilities, though Vatican insiders doubt their chances. These African candidates haven't faced the same public examination as Western cardinals. This matters for a church that has dealt with major scandals recently. Predicting who becomes pope often proves difficult. Cardinals Peter Turkson from Ghana, Fridolin Ambongo from Congo, and Ignace Bessi Dogbo from Ivory Coast appear on most lists. As of 2023, Africa had about 20 percent of the world's Catholics. The continent added nine million new members the previous year. Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie thinks choosing Turkson would recognize this growth and inspire African church leaders. He has known Turkson since the 1970s. Some priests care more about values than birthplace or skin color. An African pope might continue Francis's focus on helping poor people and refugees. But African church leaders often hold more conservative views than Francis on issues like same-sex blessings. This difference might help or hurt their chances with voting cardinals who want someone with similar views to Francis. [/QUOTE]

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