Chicago Prelate Elected Pope Leo XIV as Africa Mourns Pope Francis, the bittersweet perspective of the continent.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope, was widely mourned across Africa for his pastoral outreach and advocacy for the poor. The late pontiff visited ten African countries and often spoke of the continent as “a continent of hope,” leaving a deep impression on local churches. African bishops noted his “unwavering commitment to social justice, peace, and the dignity of every human being” resonated deeply with their communities.

As Ghana’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference president, Bishop Matthew Gyamfi, told reporters: “We are shocked… the Catholic Church and the whole world are mourning such a great leader”. He recalled that Francis “came in at a time when the Church was going through a crisis” of abuse scandals and helped implement reforms, and stressed that the late pope “will be very much missed”.

In their solemn statement, leaders of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) echoed these sentiments, saying Francis had been “more than a shepherd… a profound source of inspiration, particularly for us in Africa”. They recalled that “throughout his papacy, he visited Africa, taking the time to understand our realities, listen to our stories, and amplify our voices on the global stage”.

The new Pope Leo XIV waves to the faithful from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Observers noted that he appeared “smiling and waving” to the crowd, even wiping away tears, as he proclaimed in Italian, “Peace be with you all”. The election took place on the evening of May 8, 2025, after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:09 p.m. Rome time. Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square cheered as Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced in Latin “Habemus Papam!” – “We have a Pope!”.

Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is a 69-year-old American with a long history of missionary work and church leadership. Vatican News reports that he is “the first Augustinian Pope” and only the second pontiff from the Americas after Pope Francis. Born on September 14, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost earned a mathematics degree at Villanova University and entered the Augustinian order in 1978. He spent years teaching and working in Peru (including as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015–2023) before being called to Rome in 2023 to head the influential Dicastery for Bishops.

Pope Francis made him a cardinal in 2024. Catholic News Agency notes Prevost’s deep missionary background: he “spent over a decade ministering in South America” and later oversaw bishop appointments at the Vatican. As CNA reported, the new pope “smiled and waved” at his first appearance, conveying his pastoral warmth as he blessed the crowd in St. Peter’s Square. Notably, Leo XIV is the first U.S.-born pope, making history even as he inherits Francis’s legacy.

Ghanaian and other African Catholics have expressed both sorrow at Francis’s passing and cautious optimism about the new pontificate. At a requiem Mass in Accra, parishioners recalled Francis’s outreach: “He was moved by Pope Francis’ constant prayer for peace across the world,” said Knight of St. John member George Duodu.

Another Ghanaian worshipper voiced a common sentiment: “I would look forward to a church under an African pope,” she said of future hopes. (Pope Francis himself had been beloved for praying for peace in Ghanaian-led campaigns against illegal mining and other issues.) On Ghanaian airwaves, Bishop Gyamfi reassured the faithful about the Vatican’s orderly transition: “Every Pope is chosen…by the Holy Spirit through… Cardinals,” he said, underscoring that “each Pope comes with a specific response to the needs of the time”.

Meanwhile, Catholic leaders across Africa noted that Leo XIV’s election could shape the Church’s future on the continent. Many Africans had hoped the next pope might hail from Africa’s 260 million Catholics (roughly one in five of the world’s total). In Kenya, the papal nuncio had even remarked that “it should be possible to have an African Pope,” given the Church’s rapid growth there. Archbishop Hubertus van Megen also pointed out that only 18 of the 135 cardinal-electors were African, a reminder of Africa’s underrepresentation in the Vatican.

Now, although the new pope is North American, he is seen as someone with experience in the Global South; observers suggest he is likely to continue Francis’s emphasis on outreach and inclusivity. Ghana’s bishops and lay leaders will be watching to see whether Pope Leo XIV will elevate more African voices, for example by naming bishops or curia officials from Africa and reinforce the Church’s support for local missions and social development.

African Catholics face a growing Church on their continent. As African bishops have noted, Pope Francis often preached that “the Church’s future” lies in Africa. In their recent statement, SECAM leaders urged the faithful to honor Francis’s legacy by building “a Church that is truly inclusive and a world that reflects God’s kingdom”. Now, with Pope Leo XIV at the helm, they pray that the new pontiff will continue to prioritize justice, dialogue and care for the poor, thus principles Francis championed, while also giving Africa a stronger voice on the global Catholic stage.

Sources: Vatican News, Al Jazeera, Catholic News Agency, ACI Africa/EWTN News, Africanews, Ghana Report

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