Africans fume, react to Pope election

Nigerian-born Cardinal Francis Arinze is trending on social media following the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—as the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

Many Africans, particularly Nigerians, have expressed disappointment that the 92-year-old Cardinal Arinze was not elected, reigniting long-standing hopes of seeing the first Black Pope in history.

Cardinal Arinze, along with Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea and Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, has long been seen as one of Africa’s most senior and respected voices in the global Church. With decades of service, many believed one of the trio stood a strong chance of being chosen.

However, Church rules stipulate that only cardinals under the age of 80 can participate in the conclave or be elected. While Arinze, at 92, was ineligible, Cardinal Turkson is 77, and Cardinal Sarah—though 79—turns 80 next month, which automatically disqualified him.

Despite not being eligible to vote, insiders say Cardinal Arinze was still consulted for his opinion on the final decision, given his longstanding influence and status as a Cardinal Bishop since 2005—an elevation he received from Pope John Paul II.

For many African Catholics, this election cycle felt like a missed opportunity.

While the Church celebrates Pope Leo XIV as a reform-minded leader with a missionary background in Peru, some Africans continue to feel a sense of exclusion from the uppermost levels of Vatican leadership.

For now, Cardinal Arinze remains a revered figure among Nigerian Catholics and beyond—his legacy secure, even if the papal throne was never part of it.