Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, speculation has surged regarding the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Among the names circulating is Cardinal Francis Arinze, a 92-year-old Nigerian cardinal, prompting discussions about whether he could become the first African pope in modern times.
Cardinal Arinze, born November 1, 1932, in Eziowelle, Nigeria, is one of the oldest living cardinals and a prominent figure in the Vatican.
He served as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship from 2002 to 2008 and was considered papabile, a potential papal candidate, during the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI. His extensive experience, including leadership during the Nigeria-Biafra War and interfaith dialogue, has fueled renewed interest in his candidacy.
Recent posts on X have highlighted Arinze as a hopeful candidate, with some calling him “the oldest in Vatican City” and a symbol of African representation in the Church.
However, Arinze’s age raises questions about his viability. At 92, he is well beyond the 80-year-old threshold for voting in a papal conclave, though non-voting cardinals can still be elected. Historically, cardinals favor younger candidates for the demanding role, as seen in sayings like “young cardinals vote for old popes.” Current betting odds and Vatican analysts point to younger frontrunners like Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, who align more closely with Pope Francis’s progressive vision.
