The death of Pope Francis on Monday at the age of 88 has launched the Catholic Church into one of its most defining transitions in recent memory, with cardinals preparing to elect a new pontiff in the coming weeks. For the first time in centuries, the leading contenders for the papacy hail not from Europe, but from the Global South—most notably Africa and Asia.
With 1.3 billion Catholics spread across every continent—and the fastest growth happening outside Europe—the next pope could reflect this shift in global influence. Following Francis’s funeral rites in Vatican City, the College of Cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel in a closed-door conclave. Cardinals under 80 will cast ballots until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority.
A changing Church—and a changing race
While the papacy has historically been dominated by Europeans, especially Italians, there is mounting support for a pontiff who can speak to the Church’s future. Africa and Asia, home to hundreds of millions of Catholics, are increasingly seen not only as mission fields but as centres of spiritual vitality and leadership.
The 2025 conclave could therefore be one for the history books—potentially electing the first Black pope or the first pope from Asia.
Peter Turkson: Ghana’s voice of conscience
Among the top contenders is Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, one of Africa’s most senior Catholic figures. The 76-year-old was appointed cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003 and served as President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace under Francis.
Turkson is internationally known for championing causes including climate justice, poverty reduction, and global peace. He notably acted as the pope’s peace envoy to South Sudan—a mission that bolstered his moral and diplomatic standing.
If elected, Turkson would become the first Black pope in modern history—a momentous symbol for the continent’s rapidly growing Catholic population.
Luis Antonio Tagle: The Asian Francis
Another frontrunner is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, often dubbed the ‘Asian Francis’ for his pastoral warmth and progressive views. At 67, he currently leads the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, a powerful Vatican body overseeing missionary work around the world.
A gifted communicator fluent in multiple languages, Tagle is known for advocating social justice, inclusion, and mercy—hallmarks of Francis’s legacy. His election would mark the first Asian papacy, giving voice to a continent with over 130 million Catholics.
The European favourites
While the Global South draws significant attention, Europe still features strong candidates. Chief among them:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy), 70, the Vatican’s Secretary of State and a seasoned diplomat involved in key negotiations with China, Iran, and the Middle East. He’s viewed as a continuity candidate for those seeking institutional stability.
- Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary), 71, a respected canon law scholar and conservative voice. His election would bring a second pope from the former Eastern Bloc, after John Paul II.
Others in the running
The field also includes:
- Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea), a theological conservative with deep African roots and former head of the Congregation for Divine Worship
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy), Archbishop of Bologna, linked to peacebuilding efforts and social outreach
- Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta), secretary general of the Synod of Bishops and a key figure in Church reform efforts
While the conclave’s outcome remains highly uncertain, many analysts say the election of a pope from the Global South could revive the Church’s credibility, particularly among young, growing populations in Africa and Asia.
Pope Francis’s legacy looms large
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis became the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to assume the role. His tenure was marked by a focus on humility, simplicity, and reform, particularly within the Roman Curia.
His push for a ‘poor Church for the poor’, his visits to marginalised communities, and his call for environmental action made him a global figure beyond religious circles. Yet he also faced criticism from both conservative and progressive camps—especially over his stances on LGBTQ+ inclusion, his management of abuse scandals, and his support for interfaith dialogue.
The road ahead
As the world watches, the conclave represents more than just a change in leadership. It could signal a broader cultural and geopolitical shift within Catholicism.
‘The choice of the next pope will shape not only the Church’s spiritual path but its moral voice in global affairs,’ said one senior Vatican observer.
If cardinals choose a leader from Africa or Asia, it could mark a profound rebalancing of religious authority, giving new prominence to voices long overshadowed by Rome.
