As the Catholic Church prepares for a conclave to elect a new pope, bishops from Cameroon and across Africa have expressed hopes for a leader who reflects the character and mission of Christ, rather than following the exact footsteps of Pope Francis.
Speaking to Crux, Bishop Philippe Alain Mbarga of Ebolowa explained the three-stage process of papal transition, beginning with reflection on the Church’s current challenges, followed by spiritual discernment of suitable candidates, and concluding with the formal election by cardinals.
“After the funeral of a pope, cardinals gather to assess the state of the Church and define the qualities required in a new leader,” Mbarga said. “They then move into a period of prayerful reflection before casting their votes,” he added.
While acknowledging Pope Francis’s global legacy on issues such as peace, environmental protection, and Church inclusivity, Bishop Mbarga emphasized the need for a different kind of successor.
“I don’t want a Pope like Francis,” he stated. “I want a Pope who thinks and acts like Christ. We are praying for a pope who will help us get to heaven.”
Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda echoed same sentiment, stressing that the selection must be inspired by the Holy Spirit.
“The bishops of Cameroon are united in prayer for the cardinal electors. We pray that they choose a Pope who will lead the Church according to the heart of Christ,” he said.
In a separate interview with EWTN, 92-year-old Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze said the Church needs a pontiff “full of fire for the kingdom of Christ.”
“We want a pope who spreads the Gospel with zeal,” Arinze said. “A pope who inspires belief and brings people closer to Christ.”
African Church leaders agree that the greatest challenge facing the Catholic Church today is re-evangelizing a world drifting from Christian values — and that the next pope must embody the courage and conviction to meet that challenge head-on.
