“Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd, who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.” ~ Pope Leo XIV

Congratulations to Robert Francis Prevost on his election as the 267th Pope. His appointment has reignited conversations about diversity and representation within the Church. Many believe that the election of a Black Pope would mark a historic milestone, particularly given the vast and growing Catholic population in Africa.

Although Africa is home to millions of Catholics, some remain doubtful that the Church will ever elect a Pope from the continent. They note that African cardinals such as Cardinal Robert Sarah have long been seen as highly qualified candidates, even before the election of Pope Francis, yet they are consistently passed over.

“God cares for us, God loves all of us, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God’s hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward,” wrote Cardinal R. Sarah on X, after the annoncement of the new Pope.

The question remains: is the Catholic Church truly ready for greater diversity in its highest ranks? Some view such a shift as a meaningful step toward more inclusive representation within the Church’s leadership. Others argue that the institution’s deeply rooted structures and traditions may continue to resist this kind of change.

The irony runs deep. Many Africans were once encouraged if not compelled to embrace Christianity, only to find themselves still wrestling with the legacy of colonialism and cultural erasure. The ongoing debate about Jesus’ skin colour highlights the complexities at play. Even the white smoke that signals the election of a new pope is steeped in symbolism where anything outside that whiteness is often viewed as less pure, even negative.

African leaders, meanwhile, have already taken to social media, offering warm congratulations and celebratory messages.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new leader of the Catholic Church. May his leadership be blessed with wisdom, compassion, and strength as he shepherds the Church in these defining times,” wrote Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia.

“The election of Pope Leo XIV is a profound moment for the Catholic Church as well as the global community who followed this solemn event with hopeful anticipation. May the ceremonial white smoke that signalled the consensus of the Conclave prevail over the dark plumes of military bombardments affecting various regions of the world today. Pope Leo XIV’s early emphasis on peace is a call that speaks with most of humanity and is one that honours the legacy of the late Pope Francis. South Africa wishes Pope Leo XIV a blessed and transformative papacy that will strengthen faith, unity and social solidarity in the world,” Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa.

“Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on your election as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. May your papacy be a shining light of love, hope, and compassion; may it uplift the poor, give voice to the voiceless, heal divisions, and steadfastly champion peace, justice, and the sanctity of human dignity around the world. May your leadership inspire faith, unity, and moral renewal today and for generations to come. Congratulations!” William Samoei Ruto, President of The Republic of Kenya.

As the world welcomes Pope Leo XIV, there is renewed hope that the Church will continue to reflect the richness and diversity of its global flock. True representation is not about politics but about presence, a presence that honours every culture, uplifts every voice, and stewards the faith with humility and courage. Perhaps this moment is less about what has not yet happened, and more about the doors we are now ready to open, together.

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