Why We Need a Pope From Africa
As the cardinals gather in conclave, one of the questions on our minds is how the global Church can grow in unity. Francis’ pontificate aggravated deep differences between tradition and progress, between the developed world and the global south, and between continuity and innovation.
In addition to the turmoil in the Church, the complexities of the 21st century have thrown us into a whirlwind of unprecedented technological change, bringing about upheavals in our understanding of the human person and conflicts in politics, economics, education, and health care. In the midst of the maelstrom and the shifting sands, where does one find the rock on which to build?
Can the Catholic Church still offer that rock? I believe a pope from Africa can lead the way, and here’s why:
Youthful Zeal
First, the Church in Africa is young and strong. There are over 230 million African Catholics—representing nearly one-fifth of the global Catholic population; and this powerhouse of faith is young. Africa has a median age of just 19.7 years. Unlike Europe and North America, where aging congregations and declining church attendance signal a crisis of faith, African churches are filled with young, enthusiastic worshippers.
In Nigeria, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Catholic churches are bursting with energy. They have vibrant liturgies, packed seminaries, and a growing number of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Nigeria alone has over 30 million Catholics and produces thousands of priests annually.
This youthful vigor is spiritual as well as numerical. African Catholics bring an infectious enthusiasm to their faith, characterized by lively worship, deep devotion to the sacraments, and a strong sense of communi
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