A total of 17 cardinal electors from Africa will attend the upcoming Conclave, representing 15 countries and accounting for 13% of the College. Although the total number of African electors is formally 18, Cardinal John Njue (Kenya, born 1946), Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi, will not be taking part due to health reasons. This significant presence reflects a continent with a growing Catholic Church, whose communities are often young and dynamic and engaged in promoting dialogue, peace, and integral human development. The average age of African cardinal electors is 69, one of the lowest in the College, reflecting a young and missionary Church.
North Africa
North Africa — a region strongly marked by the presence of Islam — is represented at the Conclave by cardinal electors engaged in the silent witness of faith in minority contexts. Cristóbal López Romero (b. 1952), Archbishop of Rabat and a member of the Salesians order, has carried out his ministry in Spain, Bolivia and Morocco, promoting Islamic-Christian dialogue and educational initiatives. Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel (b, 1948), archeparch of Addis Ababa, served as president of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA). He guided the Ethiopian Church through a challenging period of internal conflict, encouraging dialogue and reconciliation. Antoine Kambanda (1958) is the Archbishop of Kigali and Rwanda’s first cardinal. A survivor of the 1994 genocide, he is deeply committed to spreading hope and encouraging reconstruction. Jean-Paul Vesco (born 1962), Archbishop of Algiers, member of the Dominican Order, is active in interreligious dialogue and peace initiatives. Nakellentuba Philippe Ouédraogo (1945), Archbishop Emeritus of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, served as president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to promoting peace in West Africa.
Central Africa
The central region of the continent has the greatest variety of origins and profiles. Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (1960), is the Archbishop of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A Capuchin, he is one of the most prominent figures in the African Church. He is committed to safeguarding human rights and promoting social justice. Dieudonné Nzapalainga (1967), Archbishop of Bangui, has been a leading figure in the national reconciliation process in the Central African Republic, working closely with Muslim communities. Jean-Pierre Kutwa (1945), Archbishop Emeritus of Abidjan, has presided over the Church in Ivory Coast in a milieu characterised by political tensions. Ignace Bessi Dogbo (1961), Archbishop of Abidjan and President of the Ivorian Episcopal Conference, is actively involved in social pastoral care. The experience of an insular Church, open to dialogue and mission, will be brought to the Conclave by Arlindo Gomes Furtado (1949), Bishop of Santiago in Cape Verde. Peter Ebere Okpaleke (1963), Bishop of Ekwulobia in Nigeria, was created cardinal by Pope Francis after challenging years following his transfer from the diocese of Ahiara. He is a symbol of reconciliation and resilience, representing a faith-filled Church in a context marked by religious and social challenges.
Southern Africa
The southern African regions are home to cardinals who have been involved in the post-apartheid reconciliation process, the fight against poverty and environmental protection. Stephen Brislin (1956), Archbishop of Cape Town, chaired the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference and distinguished himself for his service in challenging urban contexts. Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla (1964), Archbishop of Juba, represents the young African state of South Sudan, marked by grave tensions but also by a vibrant Church. Protase Rugambwa (1960) served as Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelisation. He brings to the College a long missionary and educational experience in Tanzania. Désiré Tsarahazana (1954), Archbishop of Toamasina in Madagascar, is dedicated to integral human development. Peter Turkson (1948), previously Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, is the first Ghanaian cardinal and a leading figure in the Church’s social teaching. Robert Sarah (1945), previously Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, is one of the continent’s leading theologians and an influential voice of the African Church worldwide, known for his deep spirituality and his defence of the liturgy and the faith.
