The African continent is one of two continents in the world which has not yet had any of its members elected as the leader of the Catholic Church; the Pope.
As the cardinal electors of the Catholic Church prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel to commence the conclave for the election of the new Pope, many have opined that it is time for an African to lead the Catholic Church.
These opinions are informed by the massive growth in the Catholic Church on the African continent, which now contributes about 25 percent of the Church's total population globally.
Currently, out of 252 cardinals, only 135 are eligible to participate in the election of the next Pope - i.e., cast ballots and be voted for in the upcoming conclave, which will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
