Have you ever wondered why the world’s largest religious institution, the Catholic Church, still hasn’t had a Black pope in its two thousand-year history? As conversations swirl around Catholic Church leadership and global representation, and with fresh speculation around potential successors to Pope Francis, it’s an ideal moment to look closely at the historical roots, present possibilities, and what choosing a “Black pope” would mean for the Universal Church.

Introduction: The Question on Many Minds

“Is God Black?” It’s a provocative question, but one that gets at something deeper: who leads, who is seen, and who represents us on the world’s spiritual stage? As societies move toward embracing diversity, more people are looking at the Vatican and asking hard questions about representation in religion.

Across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and within Black Catholic communities worldwide, there’s growing interest in seeing the Church reflect the true face of its followers. Add in names like Cardinal Peter Turkson and Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, and you have a real conversation about whether we’ll soon see an African pope—or, as some phrase it, a “Black pope.”

Have There Been a Black Pope? Debunking a Historical Myth

Let’s start with the basics: Have there been a Black pope? There is widespread confusion online about the term “Black Pope”—often applied, incorrectly, to the Superior General of the Jesuits due to his black clerical garb and influence. When people ask about a true Black or African pope, they mean someone of African heritage rising to the papacy.

The Early African Popes

Surprisingly, history reveals that three popes were from North Africa during Christianity’s first centuries:

• Pope Victor I (189–199 AD)
• Pope Miltiades (311–314 AD)
• Pope Gelasius I (492–496 AD)

However, their ethnic identities are debated. These men were African by geography, with Victor I born in Roman North Africa, but it’s unclear whether they would be considered “Black” by modern standards. Most historians argue that none of them were Black Africans in the contemporary sense.

So when people ask, “Have there been a black pope?” the honest answer is: not in the sense most understand it today.

The Modern Landscape: Why the Question Matters Now

These days, the Catholic Church’s demographic center of gravity is shifting. Take these facts:

• Africa is now home to over 236 million Catholics.
• The continent’s Catholic population is growing rapidly, outpacing many other regions.
• Black Catholics worldwide—especially in the US, UK, and Brazil—are increasingly vocal about Catholic Church race issues and the need for leadership that looks like them.

The conversation about a potential Black pope is as much about acknowledging this vibrant shift as it is about righting historical omission.

Black Catholic Leaders on the Rise

Names like Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana), Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of Congo), and Robert Sarah (Guinea) are reshaping Vatican discussions.

• Cardinal Peter Turkson: Often cited as a papabile (potential pope), Turkson has held senior Vatican roles and is admired for his intellect and progressive views.
• Fridolin Ambongo Besungu: Rising from grassroots activism, Ambongo is known for his outspoken advocacy for social justice and environmental protection in Africa.
• Dotun Adebayo: While not a cardinal, Adebayo is a well-known commentator and BBC host who has pushed for greater diversity within the Church and highlights the experiences of Black Catholics.

These leaders are often at the center of speculation about the next Pope Francis successor—conversations that are both heartening and overdue.

Vatican and Africa: A Complex Relationship

Many Catholics see Africa as the future heartland of their faith. Yet, the Vatican and Africa have had a nuanced relationship:

• African cardinals have wielded influence at synods but have rarely been seen as frontrunners for the papacy.
• Questions linger about systemic biases, lingering colonial attitudes, and the fact that the “College of Cardinals” is still overwhelmingly European.

However, the Church’s engagement with African communities is deepening, not just for missionary reasons but because of the dynamism and faith found across the continent.

Two Perspectives: What Would a Black Pope Mean?

This issue elicits a range of thoughtful—and sometimes emotional—responses among Catholics and observers alike.

Option 1: A Historic Milestone in Representation

For many, a Black pope would symbolize genuine progress in Catholic Church leadership. It would:

• Affirm the global makeup of the faithful.
• Give hope to millions of Christians of African descent.
• Show that the Church is serious about racial justice and universal inclusion.

Option 2: Focus on Faith, Not Race

Others argue the Church should choose its pope based on spiritual depth and vision—not skin color or background. From this view:

• The faith’s universality is rooted in spiritual, not ethnic, connections.
• Overemphasis on identity can be divisive, detracting from the Church’s core mission.

Both perspectives reflect real concerns and aspirations among the Catholic family.

Future of Catholicism: What’s Next?

As Pope Francis ages, speculation about his successors only increases, with bookies sometimes placing odds on African cardinals.

But beyond speculation, what are the real implications of this shift?

• Encouraging more Black Catholic leaders in seminaries and diocesan posts paves the way for greater representation.
• Visibility of leaders like Turkson, Ambongo, and Sarah inspires young Catholics who previously saw no one “who looked like them” leading at the highest levels.
• The broader conversation is forcing honest reflection within the Vatican about its own history with the African continent.

Representation in Religion: More Than a Gesture

No one is arguing that simply choosing a Black pope solves all the Church’s issues around racism, colonialism, or institutional inertia. Representation in religion is not a substitute for deeper reform, but it is a vital signal to the world.

A Black pope would surely spark global discussions—about the history and experiences of Africans in Christianity, the glory and trauma of missionary history, and the enduring question: Who belongs at the altar?

Black Pope: Breaking Barriers or Simply the Next Step?

Some longtime watchers of the Universal Church see this conversation as inevitable. The Church has always grown by embracing different peoples and cultures. Shouldn’t its visible leadership reflect its truly global flock?

Meanwhile, others—like radio personality Dotun Adebayo—urge the Vatican to take the next logical step and consider African cardinals not just as representatives, but as equals in leadership.

The Path Forward: Practical Steps for a More Inclusive Church

If the Catholic Church wants to make meaningful change:

• Encourage more open dialogue on race and leadership at all levels.
• Highlight the achievements of Black Catholic leaders in liturgy, social justice, and theology.
• Educate clergy and laypeople on the contributions—and challenges—of Black Catholics throughout history.
• Demand that the selection process for pope is transparent and values universal representation.

A Final Note: Why the Question Matters for Everyone

Whether you’re Catholic or not, the discussion around the “Black pope” raises questions we all face about belonging, leadership, and the future of institutions we care about. Will the Vatican listen to the voices calling for change? Or will the status quo hold?

Change in ancient institutions rarely comes quickly. Still, for Catholics looking forward, the dream of seeing a Black pope—someone who embodies the hopes and histories of the African diaspora—remains real, urgent, and vital.

If and when it happens, it won’t just be a headline; it’ll be a watershed moment for the Universal Church, a chance to reaffirm its commitment to every corner of its global family.