More than 72 hours after the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church has entered the Novemdiales—a traditional nine-day period of mourning. The Pope’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, giving the faithful an opportunity to pay their final respects and start the process of electing a new pope. The pope Francis funeral, expected between the fourth and sixth day after his passing, will draw dignitaries, religious leaders, and pilgrims from across the globe. Meanwhile, unofficial ceremonies are being planned in his homeland of Argentina.
In a few days, following the funeral rites, the College of Cardinals—those under the age of 80—will gather in the Sistine Chapel for a papal conclave. There, in secrecy, they will elect the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Up to four votes per day may take place, with black smoke signaling an inconclusive vote and white smoke announcing the selection of a new pope.
Nigeria’s Growing Voice in the Catholic World
With over 30 million Catholics, Nigeria stands as one of the powerhouses of the faith in Africa. According to the most recent statistics, approximately 70% of Nigerian Catholics live in the southeastern region. Yet despite this large following, only one of Nigeria’s four cardinals is eligible to participate in the upcoming conclave. Of the four, only Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke is under the age of 80, making him the sole Nigerian voice among the global electors.
The oldest of the Nigerian cardinals is Francis Cardinal Arinze, aged 93, who was made a cardinal in 1985 and previously served as Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship. Anthony Olubunmi Cardinal Okogie, now 89, was elevated in 2003 and is known for his strong advocacy on social justice issues; he served as Archbishop of Lagos. John Olorunfemi Cardinal Onaiyekan, aged 81, became a cardinal in 2012 and is widely respected for his interfaith dialogue work and tenure as Archbishop of Abuja. The youngest, and currently the only voting member of the Nigerian cardinals, is Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, aged 62. Elevated to the cardinalate in 2022, he currently serves as Bishop of Ekwulobia.
Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke – A Rising Force
In the heart of Nigeria’s southeast, Cardinal Okpaleke has become a symbol of integrity, humility, and pastoral leadership. Initially appointed Bishop of Ahiara in 2012, his tenure was challenged by regional tensions, ultimately leading to his resignation in 2018. Rather than assert authority, Okpaleke chose unity over conflict.
In 2020, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Ekwulobia. Just two years later, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals. At only 62, he is one of the youngest voting cardinals from sub-Saharan Africa.
Why Cardinal Okpaleke Stands Out to be a next pope
Cardinal Okpaleke’s theological training in Rome, his multilingual abilities, and his cross-cultural sensitivity give him a truly global perspective. His pastoral approach is deeply rooted in community healing and inclusivity, qualities much needed in today’s fragmented world. His resignation from Ahiara Diocese, rather than impose leadership, displayed a rare moral integrity and a commitment to Church unity that won widespread admiration.
Although Cardinal Okpaleke has not expressed any ambition for the papacy, many within the Church see his rise as significant. His experience and temperament align well with the Church’s evolving global mission.
“Cardinal Okpaleke’s humility and integrity make him an ideal candidate to help lead the global Church,” says Rev. Fr. Emeka Nwachukwu, a lecturer in Ecclesiology.
Could a Nigerian Pope Become Reality?
The prospect of an African—or specifically Nigerian—pope is no longer seen as improbable. In 2005, Cardinal Arinze was once considered a frontrunner. Today, attention is turning to a younger generation.
As the conclave approaches, and the world watches the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, many Nigerians are daring to hope that their voice may resonate in the Vatican more loudly than ever before.
Cardinal Okpaleke may not be campaigning, but in the silent deliberations behind locked doors, his name might just rise with the smoke.
