16 African Cardinals Eligible To Elect New Pope In 2025 Papal Conclave

As of April 22, 2025, 16 African cardinals are eligible to participate in a papal conclave, the sacred process where the College of Cardinals gathers to elect a new pope. Representing 10 African nations, these cardinals, all under 80 years old as required by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, embody the continent’s growing influence within the Catholic Church. With Africa’s Catholic population projected to reach over 700 million by 2050, according to Vatican demographic reports, these African cardinals are poised to bring critical perspectives on issues like social justice, interfaith dialogue, and climate change to the conclave, potentially shaping the future of the papacy.

The inclusion of African cardinals in the papal conclave reflects the Catholic Church’s shift toward greater representation from the Global South, a trend accelerated by Pope Francis’s appointments. From Ivory Coast’s two cardinals to single representatives from nations like Nigeria and Rwanda, this diverse group navigates complex regional challenges, from conflict in South Sudan to urbanisation in Kenya.

Their votes in a papal conclave could influence the selection of a pope attuned to Africa’s spiritual and social needs, amplifying the continent’s voice in the Vatican. This article, based on verified data from a primary source and credible outlets like Reuters, explores the 16 African cardinals, their roles, and their significance in the global Church.

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The Papal Conclave and the role of African Cardinals

A papal conclave is a tightly regulated process where cardinals under 80 vote to elect a new pope, requiring a two-thirds majority. African cardinals, constituting nearly 12% of the 132 eligible electors (based on 2023 Vatican figures), hold significant sway in this process. Their diverse backgrounds—ranging from peacebuilding in conflict zones to leading major dioceses—equip them to advocate for a pope who addresses global challenges like poverty and environmental crises, priorities resonant with Africa’s faithful.

Profiles of the 16 African Cardinals Eligible for the Conclave

Below is a list of the 16 African cardinals eligible to vote in a papal conclave as of April 22, 2025, based on their being under 80 years old. Each entry includes their name, country, and age, sourced from the provided primary data.

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• Peter Turkson (Ghana, Age 76): As Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Turkson’s global influence makes him a key African cardinal in the papal conclave, with expertise in climate action shaping his vote for the next pope.
• John Njue (Kenya, Age 79): Former Archbishop of Nairobi, Njue’s experience in Kenya’s urban diocese positions him to advocate for a pope focused on youth and poverty in the conclave.
• Robert Sarah (Guinea, Age 79): A conservative theologian and former Prefect, Sarah’s voice in the papal conclave will emphasize liturgical tradition in selecting a pope.
• Jean-Pierre Kutwa (Ivory Coast, Age 79): As Abidjan’s Archbishop Emeritus, Kutwa’s diplomatic skills during Ivory Coast’s crises will inform his conclave vote for a unifying pope.
• Philippe Ouédraogo (Burkina Faso, Age 79): The first Burkinabé cardinal, Ouédraogo’s focus on education as Ouagadougou’s former archbishop will guide his papal conclave role.
• Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel (Ethiopia, Age 76): Leading Ethiopia’s Catholic Church, Souraphiel’s inter-rite unity efforts will shape his conclave vote for a pope fostering inclusivity.
• Arlindo Gomes Furtado (Cape Verde, Age 75): Cape Verde’s first cardinal, Furtado’s pastoral work will influence his conclave vote for a pope attentive to small nations.
• Dieudonné Nzapalainga (Central African Republic, Age 58): The youngest African cardinal, Nzapalainga’s peacebuilding in conflict zones will drive his papal conclave vote for a peace-focused pope.
• Désiré Tsarahazana (Madagascar, Age 70): As Toamasina’s Archbishop, Tsarahazana’s environmental advocacy will shape his conclave vote for a pope prioritizing Laudato Si’.
• Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Age 65): Kinshasa’s Archbishop, Ambongo’s human rights advocacy makes him a bold African cardinal in the papal conclave.
• Antoine Kambanda (Rwanda, Age 66): Rwanda’s first cardinal, Kambanda’s post-genocide reconciliation work will guide his conclave vote for a healing pope.
• Peter Okpaleke (Nigeria, Age 62): Ekwulobia’s Bishop, Okpaleke’s resilience strengthens Nigeria’s voice among African cardinals in the papal conclave.
• Stephen Brislin (South Africa, Age 68): Johannesburg’s Archbishop, Brislin’s social outreach focus will influence his conclave vote for a socially engaged pope.
• Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla (South Sudan, Age 61): Juba’s Archbishop, Mulla’s peace efforts in South Sudan will shape his papal conclave role.
• Protase Rugambwa (Tanzania, Age 64): Tabora’s Archbishop, Rugambwa’s educational focus will guide his conclave vote for a pope prioritizing catechesis.
• Ignace Bessi Dogbo (Ivory Coast, Age 63): Appointed in 2024, Abidjan’s Archbishop strengthens Ivory Coast’s African cardinal presence in the papal conclave.

Africa’s rising voice in selecting the next Pope

The 16 African cardinals represent 10 nations, with the Ivory Coast’s dual representation and Nigeria’s single cardinal highlighting West Africa’s prominence. Their roles in the papal conclave are amplified by Africa’s Catholic growth, with a 7% annual increase from 2015 to 2020, per Vatican News. Reuters noted in 2023 that Pope Francis’s appointments have shifted the College of Cardinals toward the Global South, enhancing African cardinals’ influence in choosing a pope who addresses issues like poverty and interfaith tensions.

Africa’s stake in the future papacy

As African cardinals prepare for a potential 2025 papal conclave, their votes could elevate a pope who reflects Africa’s priorities, from social justice to environmental stewardship. Figures like Turkson and Ambongo, often cited as potential papal candidates, underscore the possibility of an African pope, a milestone that would resonate with Africa’s 230 million Catholics. Their influence will ensure the papal conclave considers the continent’s challenges and aspirations, cementing African cardinals as key players in the Catholic Church’s future.