'Who says the black person cannot be a Pope' - Archbishop of Abuja

The Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, believes a Black person can become Pope.

He stated, "Who says a Black person cannot be a Pope?" He emphasized that Africans have the same chances as anyone from America or Europe.

In an interview with the BBC, he noted that no Black person has been Pope recently. However, he pointed out that early Church history includes Black Popes.

"Historically, we were told there were Popes who were black," he said. He acknowledged that this was true in the early centuries of the Church.

Archbishop Kaigama expressed hope for the next Pope to be chosen without racial bias.

"We are praying for a good and holy Pope," he explained. This Pope could be Black, Asian, American, or European.

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. He led the Catholic Church and Vatican City from 2013 until his death.

Following his passing, Cardinals began electing his successor. Notable Cardinals include Peter Appiah Turkson from Ghana and Francis Arinze from Nigeria.