As millions of African Catholics and leaders mourn the death of Pope Francis, many reflect on his profound impact on the continent. Africa, home to nearly a fifth of the Catholic Church’s 1.3 billion followers, has become increasingly vital in global Catholicism, and Pope Francis’ efforts to elevate Africa’s importance within the Vatican have left a lasting legacy.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu described the late pontiff as a “tireless champion of the poor,” while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa praised his “world view of inclusion [and] equality.” These sentiments are echoed across the continent, as leaders and followers remember how Pope Francis consistently spoke out for the marginalized.
The Vatican reports that over the past year, seven million Africans have converted to Catholicism, making the continent one of the fastest-growing regions for the Church. “This Pope has made a lot of efforts to make our faith inclusive,” said Ghanaian Catholic Aba Amissah Quainoo. “He was really loved by all because of his stance on the poor and the marginalized,” added Rev George Obeng Appah.
Worshippers at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi remember Pope Francis as a man who brought change to the Church, particularly in promoting equality. “His love for the African Church was great, and we will miss him,” said Rosemary Muthui, recalling the Pope’s visit to Kenya a decade ago.
Pope Francis’ African visits included five trips to the continent, with his most recent in 2023 to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His influence is deeply felt in conflict-ridden countries like DRC, where many, including journalist Kitsita Ndongo Rachel, have been inspired by his calls for justice. “When we listen to him, we feel that he wanted justice for the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Rachel said.
African nations like Nigeria, Kenya, and the DRC boast some of the highest church attendance rates globally, underscoring the growing importance of Catholicism on the continent. “One of the biggest things Pope Francis did for Africa was to bring global attention to the continent’s importance in the Catholic Church,” said Charles Collins, managing editor of Crux, a Catholic news website.
Father Stan Chu Ilo, president of the Pan-African Catholic Theological Network, added that the Pope’s visits to marginalized areas, such as the Central African Republic in 2015, demonstrated his solidarity with victims of war, displacement, and injustice.
Despite the rapid growth of the Church in Africa, the continent remains underrepresented in high-ranking Vatican positions. “The Catholic Church’s future is African, but it hasn’t yet translated into real influence at the Vatican,” Collins noted. However, many believe that an African Pope is no longer a matter of “if,” but “when,” with Africa’s growing theological, spiritual, and demographic influence shaping the future of the Church.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, Africa’s connection to the Vatican remains stronger than ever, and his legacy of inclusivity and advocacy for the marginalized will continue to resonate across the continent.