Pope Francis: Meet 2 African Cardinals Who May Become the Next Pope

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  • Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City
  • Just a day before his death, the Pontiff made a public appearance during Easter Sunday celebrations at St. Peter’s Square after surviving double pneumonia
  • Two African Cardinals, Peter Turkson of Ghana and Fridolin Ambongo Besungo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have emerged as top contenders to succeed the late pontiff

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Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The death of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, better known as Pope Francis, sent shockwaves across the globe on Monday, April 21, 2025.

Pope Francis dies as Peter Turkson of Ghana and Fridolin Ambongo Besungo of DR Congo emerge as likely successors. Photo credit: Photo by Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City.

This happened a day after Pope Francis appeared in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, April 20, after surviving a serious bout of double pneumonia.

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During his appearance, he greeted thousands of worshippers despite health concerns after his recent hospitalisation for pneumonia.

Following his death, discussions have resurfaced about the possibility of an African pope—an idea that has lingered since the internationalisation of the Roman Curia after the Second Vatican Council, as Africa and Latin America have come to represent the growing frontiers of Catholicism.

Pope Francis: African cardinals tipped to succeed him

Cardinals Peter Turkson of Ghana and Fridolin Ambongo Besungo of DR Congo are among those likely to succeed Pope Francis. Photo credit: U Catholic, Lisa Maree Williams/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

All eyes are pointed towards Africa as Cardinals Turkson and Ambongo emerged as papal contenders.

1. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Age 76, Cardinal since 2003)

According to US Catholic, the only Ghanaian cardinal, Cardinal Turkson, presented a particularly compelling case in the years since being elevated by John Paul II.

He is a biblical scholar, multilingual, drafter of Francis’ Laudato Si’ (On Care for our Common Home) encyclical on care for creation, soft-spoken but charming, and shares a birthday with Vatican II.

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This striking profile has, however, suffered from a general pigeonholing as a “progressive,” possibly explaining his not gaining traction as a candidate once the cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel in 2005 and 2013.

Furthermore, in 2021, the Pope moved him from his post as head of the Vatican’s human development (think peace and justice) office to a less prominent role, raising the question of whether he would fit the administrative aspect of governing the entire church.

2. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungo, O.F.M. Cap. (Age 65, Cardinal since 2019)

Another candidate on the list is Cardinal Ambongo Besungo, a 65-year-old from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

He has served as a Cardinal since 2019 and is widely regarded as an impressive figure, notably as the leader of the world’s largest diocese, Kinshasa, which is home to an estimated seven million Catholics, according to a possibly outdated statistic.

He is also known for his humble demeanour, pastoral focus, and commitment to peace advocacy, although he has reportedly maintained a low profile in the Northern and Western Hemispheres.

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This fact perhaps drives home how the universal church is not bound by a Western/Eurocentric identity (at least not since Vatican II). However, another Francis echo lies in the cardinal’s identity as a religious priest rather than a diocesan one.

His age might stir a fresh debate if the conclave decides to consider his candidacy.

Read more about Pope Francis here

Pope Francis' death: 266 popes who have led the Catholic Church

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the papacy has been a key institution for nearly two millennia, shaping Catholic doctrine, guiding the faithful, and addressing global challenges.

Throughout history, popes have played both spiritual and political roles, leading reforms, influencing international relations, and facing rival claimants (antipopes).

The list of popes, from St. Peter to today, reflects the endurance and evolution of the Catholic Church, maintaining an unbroken chain of leadership. See more of the list here.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.