Africa And The Papacy: A Case For A Black Pope

Africa And The Papacy: A Case For A Black Pope

Everywhere one turns these days, one hears people insisting that Africa has had its stint at the papacy three times in history.

Even if this were 100% true, the Catholic Church’s history spans over 2,000 years, with 260 popes since Saint Peter, according to tradition. And yet, only three have come from Africa? Haba!

Please don’t get me wrong o. I know the Church teaches that the Holy Spirit chooses the Pope, but still—three Popes over such a long period, one of whom reigned for just four years, and all of them from the earliest centuries of Christianity? Haba! Even God is a just God na, and we are all His children!

But wait—were these three Popes really Africans? Ok, please, I am not racist o. Bear with me here—when I say Africa, I mean Black Africa!

So, let’s meet these Popes.

Pope Victor I, who reigned from 189 to 199 AD, was born in the Roman province of Africa, which is present-day Libya or Tunisia.

Like the two other African Popes, he was from a region that now includes Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria—areas where the population was predominantly Berber rather than sub-Saharan African.

While they may have had darker skin tones compared to their European counterparts, historical records do not explicitly confirm their racial identity as “Black” in the modern sense of the word.

Moreover, we must understand that the concept of race, as we define it today, did not exist in their era. Their African heritage was more about geographical origin than ethnicity. To put it simply, they were not Black, period.

Then we have Pope Miltiades, who reigned from 311 to 314 AD. Also known as Melchiades, he was of North African descent, another Berber.

Pope Gelasius I, who reigned from 492 to 496 AD, was born in Rome, though records indicate he was of African descent. However, like the others, he was not truly Black in the way we define it today, nor did he come from the Sahel.

As mentioned earlier, these Popes served during Christianity’s early centuries when North Africa was a major center for Christian thought and leadership.

Given the region’s diversity, they may have had darker skin tones, but like Black Indians, they were not truly African.

Ultimately, while these Popes were unquestionably African by origin, their racial identity remains uncertain due to the lack of detailed historical records.

So, to those who insist Africa has already had three Popes, I say: producing three Popes does not mean Africa has had a Black Pope. What we hope to see is a Black Pope from the Sahel!

Considering the injustices Africa has suffered at the hands of Europe over the years, and given the immense influence of the papacy, it would be just for Africa to have its turn at the papacy now.

Moreover, Africa’s Catholic population is growing at an unprecedented rate—now the highest in the world. The deep-rooted faith of her people makes a strong case for an African Pope.

The continent is home to some of the fastest-growing Catholic communities, with vibrant churches and increasing vocations to the priesthood—especially while priestly vocations decline in Europe.

An African Pope could bring fresh perspectives, expand the Church’s presence in developing nations, offer moral clarity, and emphasize social justice in a way that reflects the challenges and aspirations of the Global South.

And Africa has strong candidates.

Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea is a fierce defender of traditional Catholic teachings, a deeply spiritual leader, and a prominent conservative voice.

Cardinal Peter Turkson, former Archbishop of Cape Coast and current Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Social Sciences, is an intellectual powerhouse. Fluent in multiple languages, he is a passionate advocate for social justice, environmental stewardship, and economic equity. He also enjoys strong support from African clergy.

If the Catholic Church is truly universal, then now is the time for Africa to step forward and take its rightful place at the helm of the papacy—not as mere representation, but as a leader offering moral authority and renewal.

Africa is home to a thriving Catholic population, growing faster than anywhere else in the world. An African Pope would not only embody the Church’s global reach but also provide invaluable leadership, bringing a fresh perspective rooted in resilience, faith, and justice.

The Church has always looked to its leaders for wisdom and strength. Africa is more than ready to rise to that calling. The time has come.

|Albert Afeso Akanbi is a writer & filmmaker, he’s based in Abuja, the FCT|
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