2025 Papal Conclave: Africa

 For years much has been made of the growing numbers of Catholics in Africa.  A region where more conservative and less socially tolerant cultural norms center paradigms of moral turpitude.  In the sister, Episcopal Church, these differences have led to schism and moral indignation between diocese north vs south.  So I find it a little curious that with this transition to the next Pope, this narrative has largely vanished.  Then I looked at the demographics.  

With only 17 participating members in a conclave with around 120 members, even if these Cardinals were to act as one, the effect could easily be ignored.  Add to that the fact that 14 were appointed by former Pope Francis I, and it's unlikely that a large number are out of step with his more progressive and gentle approach to the job of being Bishop of Rome; Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Servant of the Servants of God, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Roman Province, and Sovereign of the Vatican City State.  Although with a title like that, it's easy to see how hard it would be for anyone to whom it was bestowed not feeling a little arrogant.  

When considering the 17 men who will be present from Africa at the conclave, you really don't see a lot that is remarkable about them as a whole.  Their resumes read much alike with a stream of ordinations, appointments and participation on various councils.  Of the few who seemed to stand out, the youngest, Dieudonné Cardinal Nzapalainga has made a name for himself in the Central African Republic by courageously joining with leaders of the Evangelical Protestants and Islamic faiths to create an ecumenical voice for peace and a cessation of the sectarian violence that often plagues the C.A.R.  Two others found their appointments to the Bishopric locally opposed largely on the basis of tribal animosities.  In the end, Pope Francis found a way to secure both Stephen Ameyu Martin Cardinal Mulla of South Sudan and Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke of Nigeria to the Bishop's seat sand then on to the House of Cardinals.

On the elder end, the only Bishop of the bunch whose name was familiar to me, Peter Kodwo Appiah Cardinal Turkson (in my mind Bishop Peter Turkson) of Ghana.  He is arguably the most accomplished with regards to accolades and accomplishments.  He speaks 6 languages.  He is the only Bishop participating in the Conclave from Africa who was elevated to Cardinal by Pope John Paul II back in 2003.  And if there is to be an African Pope this time, he is considered the Front runner.  Another noteworthy member of the African delegation is Robert Cardinal Sarah who found himself leader of Guinea's Catholics during the presidency of Ahmed Sékou Touré (1958-1984) which grew increasing oppressive over time.  However, Sarah is an outspoken conservative who often clashed with Pope Francis I.