How Africa can Produce First Pope in 1,500 Years – Know the Selection Process
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis passed away on Monday morning at the age of 88, just days after being discharged from the hospital following treatment for a severe respiratory infection.
His death, which comes twelve years after his groundbreaking papacy began, has reignited discussions around who will succeed him as the leader of the Catholic Church—a global institution with an estimated 1.39 billion members.
Among the leading contenders for the papacy are Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson, the Philippines’ Cardinal Luis Tagle, and Hungary’s Cardinal Peter Erdo.
As the world watches with anticipation, here are the top ten things to know about the process of electing the next pope and the possibility of Africa producing the first pope in over 1,500 years.
*1. The College of Cardinals Elects the Pope*
The next pope will be chosen by the College of Cardinals—senior clergy members of the Catholic Church. While any baptized male Catholic could technically be elected, popes have historically been chosen exclusively from among the cardinals.
*2. Only Cardinals Under 80 Can Vote*
Cardinals under the age of 80 at the time of the pope’s death or resignation are eligible to vote. Currently, there are 138 cardinal-electors, although the official cap is 120.
*3. The Papal Conclave is Held in Secrecy*
The election takes place in a highly secretive papal conclave inside the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals are locked in until a new pope is elected, ensuring that the process remains free from outside influence.
*4. A Two-Thirds Majority is Required*
To elect a new pope, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes. If the conclave reaches 33 rounds without a decision, a runoff election is held between the top two candidates.
*5. White Smoke Signals a New Pope*
After each voting round, ballots are burned. Black smoke indicates no decision has been made, while white smoke signals the election of a new pope. This announcement is followed by a proclamation from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
*6. Conclave Begins Two to Three Weeks After the Pope’s Death*
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A nine-day mourning period, known as “novemdiales,” is observed following the pope’s death. The conclave typically begins two to three weeks later to allow time for cardinals from around the world to travel to Rome.
*7. *The Duration of the Conclave Can Vary*
The conclave’s duration can vary greatly. While recent papal elections have been swift, historical precedents show that some conclaves have taken months—or even years—like the 1271 conclave, which lasted nearly three years.
*8. Pope Francis Appointed Most of the Current Electors*
Of the 138 cardinal-electors, 110 were appointed by Pope Francis. His appointments have created the most geographically diverse group in papal history, with many electors hailing from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
*9. An African Pope is a Real Possibility*
For the first time in over 1,500 years, Africa could produce a pope. Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson, recognized for his global diplomacy and advocacy for justice, is a leading contender.
Another prominent African candidate is Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of the Democratic Republic of Congo, known for his efforts to promote peace and stability in Africa.
This would be historic—Africa has not had a pope since Pope Gelasius I in the 5th century, who is believed to have been of North African descent.
*10. Other Leading Contenders Span the Globe*
In addition to African candidates, the papal race features other top names. Cardinal Luis Tagle from the Philippines is a progressive figure who shares many of Pope Francis’s values.
Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary is a conservative voice and a key figure in bridging Eastern Christianity with Rome. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, brings substantial diplomatic experience to the table.
*What Happens to the Vatican in the Meantime??
During the period of sede vacante (the vacancy of the papacy), the day-to-day operations of the Vatican are overseen by the camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell. However, no major doctrinal decisions can be made until a new pope is elected.
As the Catholic world looks toward the Sistine Chapel, all eyes are on the potential for a historic papacy—and possibly, for the first time in over 1,500 years, an African pope.
Zekeri Idakwo Laruba is the Assistant Editor with PRNigeria and Economic confidential. He can be reached via [email protected]
