Bishop Matthew Kukah has dismissed the notion that the election of a new pope, such as the recently elected Pope Leo XIV, follows a regional rotation or “turn-taking” system, describing the process as unique and distinct from political elections.
In an interview on Channel TV’s Political Paradigm, the Catholic clergyman addressed growing speculation about the possibility of an African pope, emphasizing that the papal conclave is governed by spiritual and ecclesiastical considerations rather than geopolitical calculations.
“Well, let’s win the World Cup first,” Kukah said, alluding to the long journey still ahead for African Catholics in global representation. He recalled the last papal transition following the death of Pope John Paul II, when many speculated that Cardinal Francis Arinze, a Nigerian, was a leading contender. “But electing a pope is not an ‘Emilokan’ scenario where you say, ‘These people have had their turn, now it’s our turn.’ It simply doesn’t work that way.”
The bishop further explained that many speculators approach the election as if it were a typical political contest, relying on human parameters and data accumulation to predict outcomes. “People are often shocked because electing a pope is unlike any other election in the world,” he added, underscoring the mystery and divine guidance believed to be central to the conclave.
The papal conclave is a secretive assembly of the College of Cardinals who meet to elect the Bishop of Rome, the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. This process has historically been shrouded in secrecy and is believed by adherents to be influenced by the Holy Spirit, making predictions especially difficult.
Bishop Kukah’s comments come amid renewed global interest in the Vatican’s leadership, with some groups calling for increased African representation, given the continent’s growing Catholic population.
However, Kukah’s insights reaffirm that the papacy transcends ethnic and national identities, focusing instead on the spiritual qualities and mission of the chosen pontiff.
