Meet the 18 Cardinals Eligible to Elect the Next Pope

 

As the Catholic world prepares for a monumental decision—choosing a new pope—Nigeria’s Peter Cardinal Okpaleke stands among 18 African voices poised to help shape the Church’s next chapter. In total, 135 cardinals hold the sacred responsibility of casting their vote in the upcoming papal conclave, and Africa is making its presence felt more than ever.

Though the Vatican boasts a total of 252 cardinals, not all are eligible to vote. Only cardinals under the age of 80 hold the coveted "voting status," and they will be the ones locked in the Sistine Chapel when it’s time to select the next pontiff.

Here's how the voting bloc is broken down by continent: Europe: 53 cardinals, Asia: 23 cardinals Africa: 18 cardinals, South America: 17 cardinals, North America: 16 cardinals, Central America & Oceania: 4 cardinals each.

While Europe still dominates, Africa’s representation is both historic and strategic—proof of the continent’s growing influence in global Catholicism.

Among those who will be carrying Africa’s hopes and perspectives into the conclave are: Peter Okpaleke (Nigeria), John Njue (Kenya), Robert Sarah (Guinea), Fridolin Besungu (DR Congo), Stephen Brislin (South Africa), Peter Turkson (Ghana), Antoine Kambanda (Rwanda), and 11 others from across the continent, each representing a unique culture and Catholic experience.

Interestingly, 108 of the 135 eligible voters were appointed by the late Pope Francis, reflecting his vision for a more inclusive, globally diverse Church. The remaining were appointed by Pope Benedict XVI (22) and Pope John Paul II (5).

This transition comes following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully on Easter Monday. According to the Vatican, his final moments were marked by a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. His death was officially recorded at 7:35 a.m. local time on April 21, confirmed via electrocardiographic thanatography.

As the conclave draws near, all eyes will be on the Vatican—and on the cardinals carrying the weight of global faith on their shoulders. Will the next pope emerge from Africa? Time will tell. But for now, the continent is undeniably at the table.