Africa and Asia: The Beating Heart of Catholicism Deserves Its Own Pope

 

The Vatican’s reluctance to elect an African or Asian Pope reeks of a colonial hangover, ignoring the vibrant faith and sheer numbers of Catholics in these regions while pandering to a declining Europe. How can a universal Church justify clinging to European leadership when African seminaries are bursting at the seams with vocations, and Nigerian Mass attendance puts Europe to shame?

"God moves in mysterious ways," but when it comes to choosing the next Pope, perhaps the Holy Spirit needs a little nudge toward Africa or Asia. These are the regions where the Catholic Church is most alive, vibrant, and growing at an extraordinary rate. With Africa seeing a 22% rise in its Catholic population between 2013 and 2022 and Asia following with a 13% increase, it is clear where the heart of the Church now beats strongest. In contrast, Europe and North America are hemorrhaging believers, driven away by secularization and disillusionment with clerical scandals. If the Vatican truly seeks to honor the universality of the Church, the next Pope should rise from these dynamic regions.

Consider the significance of Pope Francis, the first non-European pontiff since the 8th century. As an Argentine, Francis broke a 1,300-year tradition of European dominance in the papacy, dating back to Gregory III, a Syrian, in 741 AD. This historic shift marked a recognition of the Church's global character, yet it remains incomplete. The Church's leadership must now move beyond mere tokenism and reflect its true demographic and spiritual centers: the Global South.

Nowhere is the Catholic Church's vitality more evident than in Africa. The Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu, Nigeria, for example, is thought to be the largest training institution for Catholic priests in the world, housing over 700 seminarians. Contrast this with declining seminarian numbers in Europe and North America. Africa's burgeoning clergy symbolizes a Church not only growing in numbers but also deeply rooted in faith and practice. A 2023 study by Georgetown University found that Nigeria and Kenya led the world in Mass attendance, with 94% and 76% of Catholics respectively attending weekly services. This stands in stark contrast to the declining observance rates in the historically Catholic strongholds of Europe.

Asia, too, presents a compelling case. The Philippines, a bastion of Catholicism, boasts 56% weekly Mass attendance. Meanwhile, in South Korea, figures like Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-Sik exemplify the region's potential. Baptized at 16, Cardinal You is known for his denunciation of social injustices and political authoritarianism, mirroring the moral courage and pastoral sensibilities that have long defined transformative papal figures like Saint John Paul II.

Despite these strengths, detractors within the Vatican raise concerns about potential pitfalls. Some fear that African cardinals are "too conservative," as evidenced by their strong stances on issues like liturgical reforms and same-sex blessings. Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, for instance, once called for priests to return to saying Mass facing the altar—a practice abandoned after the Second Vatican Council. His suggestion sparked controversy, but it also highlighted the deep theological convictions that many African leaders bring to the table. While these views may clash with the more progressive factions of the Church, they also represent a critical voice that resonates with millions of Catholics worldwide who feel alienated by rapid changes in Church doctrine.

Another concern lies in the issue of "safeguarding" or clerical abuse. While the Church in Europe and the Americas has been marred by sexual abuse scandals, some fear that similar issues could emerge in Africa. Additionally, the unique social pressures in African communities—where celibacy is often misunderstood—have led to cases of priests secretly taking partners and even fathering children. While these challenges are real, they are not insurmountable. In fact, they underscore the need for leadership that understands and can address the cultural nuances of the Church's fastest-growing regions.

The numbers, however, reveal a glaring imbalance. While Africa accounts for 20% of the global Catholic population, it holds only 13% of the cardinal-elector votes in the next conclave. Asia, with half as many Catholics, wields 18% of the voting power. This disparity highlights a structural bias that undermines the Church's claim to universality. If representation truly matters, the College of Cardinals must evolve to reflect the demographics of the faithful.

The argument for an African or Asian Pope is further bolstered by history. Leaders from these regions have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to bridge cultural and ideological divides. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of Congo, for instance, successfully negotiated an opt-out for African bishops on the issue of same-sex blessings, forcing Pope Francis to recognize regional differences within the universal Church. Similarly, figures like Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines embody the blend of pastoral care and administrative acumen necessary for the papacy, even though his recent demotion from Caritas Internationalis may have dimmed his prospects.

Skeptics argue that a Pope from the Global South might struggle to navigate the intricacies of Vatican politics, but this underestimates the adaptability and resourcefulness of leaders who have already succeeded in regions marked by poverty, persecution, and political instability. If anything, these experiences equip them to address the global Church's most pressing challenges with empathy and resilience.

Moreover, the symbolic power of an African or Asian Pope cannot be overstated. Such a choice would send a powerful message to the world: that the Catholic Church is not a relic of European colonialism but a truly global institution. It would inspire millions of believers in regions where faith remains a cornerstone of daily life, reinvigorating their commitment to the Church's mission. As the African proverb says, "A tree without roots will fall." The Vatican must recognize that its deepest roots now lie in the Global South.

The conclave's decision will not be easy, and surprises are always possible. But to ignore the compelling case for a Pope from Africa or Asia would be to turn a blind eye to the Church's future. It would be akin to an orchestra playing Beethoven while ignoring the rising symphony of voices from other continents.

As we await the white smoke that will signal a new chapter in Catholic history, one can only hope that the cardinal-electors will listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit—and perhaps a bit of common sense. After all, if the Church continues to focus only on preserving its European traditions, it may find itself as out of touch as a medieval knight trying to joust in a world of electric cars. The time for change is not just now; it’s overdue.