By Jeremy Stein
VATICAN CITY – As Pope Francis funeral approaches after his sudden death on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, speculation is mounting regarding potential successors to the pontiff. Among the names circulating widely within Vatican circles, two prominent African Cardinals, Peter Turkson of Ghana and Robert Sarah of Guinea, have emerged as serious contenders.
Cardinal Turkson, currently serving as the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, is a well-respected figure known for his deep understanding of social justice issues and his commitment to addressing poverty and inequality. His previous role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development solidified his reputation as a champion of the marginalized and a voice for the developing world.
Cardinal Sarah, on the other hand, is a more conservative figure who served as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments until 2021. He is known for his traditional views on liturgy and doctrine, and his emphasis on the importance of upholding the Church’s long-standing traditions.
Both Cardinals represent distinct perspectives within the Catholic Church. Turkson’s focus on social justice aligns with Pope Francis’ emphasis on the poor and vulnerable, while Sarah’s more conservative stance appeals to those who believe the Church needs to reaffirm its traditional identity.
“The fact that both Cardinals Turkson and Sarah are being discussed as potential replacements highlights the diverse landscape within the Catholic Church,” says Vatican expert Alessandra Rossi. “Their possible elevation to the papacy would signal dramatically different directions for the Church.”
The selection of an African Pope would be a historic moment for the Catholic Church, which has never had a pontiff from the continent. It would also reflect the growing importance of the Catholic Church in Africa, which boasts one of the fastest-growing Catholic populations in the world.
While the process of electing a new Pope is shrouded in secrecy, with Cardinals from around the world convening in a conclave to cast their votes, the emergence of Turkson and Sarah as potential candidates signifies the increasingly prominent role of African leaders in the global Catholic Church. The eventual choice will undoubtedly shape the future of the Church for decades to come.
The discussions surrounding potential successors are a clear indication that the Catholic Church is already preparing for the next chapter in its history. The coming days will be crucial in determining which direction the Church will take and who will ultimately lead it.
