The Legacy of Pope Francis: Reflections from Africa

The world recently took a moment to mourn the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. Tributes poured in from various corners of the globe, but the sentiments from African leaders were especially poignant, highlighting a deep connection established over twelve years of his papacy.

Tributes from African Leaders

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu emphasized Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to the marginalized, calling him a “tireless champion of the poor.” Similarly, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa praised the Pope’s vision of inclusion and equality. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi remarked on the Pope’s extraordinary legacy of compassion and humanity, insisting it will be ingrained in the world’s conscience forever. King Mohammed VI of Morocco echoed these sentiments, recognizing the Pope’s dedication to combatting marginalization and defending human dignity. His loss resonates profoundly with Catholics across Africa, a continent boasting approximately 272 million believers.

The Church’s Growth in Africa

Africa has become a vibrant hub for the Catholic faith, with an impressive seven million conversions to Catholicism reported in the past year alone. Countries like Nigeria and Kenya rank among the top in weekly church attendance, while nations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Uganda, and Angola proudly host robust Catholic communities. The significance of this growth has not gone unnoticed by the Vatican, as underlined by Pope Francis’s initiatives to enhance African representation within the Church’s hierarchy.

Pope Francis’s Engagement with Africa

During his time as Pope, Francis made five visits to Africa, covering ten countries. His inaugural visit took place in November 2015, where he traveled to Kenya, Uganda, and the Central African Republic. This trip underscored his commitment to peace amidst political turmoil. Notably, he celebrated Mass at the University of Nairobi and honored the Ugandan Martyrs, paying homage to their sacrifices for faith.

His 2017 journey to Egypt marked another historic moment, as it was his first visit to a Muslim-majority nation. The Pope sought to bolster interfaith relations and showed solidarity with the Coptic Christian community, reiterating his dedication to coexistence in a pluralistic society.

Promotion of Religious Tolerance

Pope Francis’s commitment to religious tolerance continued with his 2019 visit to Morocco, where he stressed the importance of respecting and supporting migrants. His message at the Hassan Tower in Rabat, advocating for cross-cultural harmony, resonated with many, emphasizing that bravery in forming friendships paves the way for peace.

His 2020 travels included Mozambique, Madagascar, and Mauritius, areas where he sought reconciliation after years of conflict. His words inspired a call for environmental stewardship when he ardently remarked on Madagascar’s natural beauty, invoking the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi.

A Peacemaker’s Mission

Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of Pope Francis’s engagement with Africa was his role as a peacemaker. In 2023, he embarked on a peace mission to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, showcasing his relentless dedication to harmony. A notable moment occurred when he knelt before the feuding leaders in the Vatican, signaling a profound commitment to dialogue.

In Kinshasa, during this latest visit, he delivered a powerful speech that resonated across the continent and beyond, declaring, “Hands off the Democratic Republic of the Congo! Hands off Africa!” This statement underscored his passionate advocacy against exploitation of African resources, framing the continent as a partner rather than a victim.

Anticipation of a Successor

As the world reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis, the search for his successor begins. It has been over 1,500 years since the Catholic Church has been led by a pope from Africa. Historically, only three popes originate from the continent, all of whom were from the region of Africa Proconsularis, largely comprising modern-day Tunisia.

Today, 18 African cardinals are eligible to partake in the conclave to elect the next pope. Figures such as Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson and Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah are among those who could potentially lead the Church, with many theologians positing that the day an African ascends to papacy is not a matter of “if,” but “when.”

The Shift in Perception

With the Catholic Church witnessing considerable growth in Africa, the narrative is shifting. African Catholics are increasingly viewed as integral contributors to the Church’s future rather than merely recipients of charitable outreach. This evolving perspective marks a significant cultural and theological awakening within the Church.

The forthcoming conclave promises to be pivotal, not only for the Church but also for its growing African constituency. As the smoke rises, signaling the election of a new pope, the world watches closely—Africa’s presence on the global religious stage is unmistakable and more vital than ever.