Eighteen cardinals from Africa are among the select group of clergy set to take part in the next papal election.
This marks a strong presence from the continent in one of the Catholic Church’s most sacred decision-making moments.
The gathering will take place in the Vatican, where cardinals from around the world will meet in a conclave to choose the successor to the current Pope when the time comes. While no date has been announced yet for the conclave, preparations are being made in anticipation of a future transition.
These 18 African cardinals come from various countries across the continent, bringing with them diverse experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the Church in Africa. Their inclusion gives the continent a louder voice in the process, especially as the Catholic population continues to grow rapidly in Africa.
The cardinals are chosen based on seniority, service to the Church, and their role in their home regions. Most of those taking part in the vote are under the age of 80, in line with the Church’s voting rules. They will join more than 100 other cardinals in the Sistine Chapel when the time comes to cast their ballots.
The election process follows ancient traditions, where the cardinals gather behind closed doors and vote in secrecy until a two-thirds majority is reached. The outcome is announced through white smoke rising from the chapel chimney — a signal to the world that a new Pope has been chosen.
The Church has not seen an African Pope in over 1,500 years, but the growing role of African clergy in Church affairs has raised hopes among some that a Pope from the continent could one day be elected. While it remains to be seen who will ultimately be chosen, the inclusion of 18 African cardinals in the selection process points to Africa’s rising role in global Catholic leadership.
The Vatican has yet to release any official statement on the next conclave, but Church watchers believe internal discussions are already underway as the Church prepares for its future.