Gibson Nyikadzino dives into the implications of the death of Pope Francis
April 23, 2025
The passing of Pope Francis, aged 88, on Monday has triggered an outpouring of grief around the world—and with it, a wave of speculation about the future of the Roman Catholic Church.
As the Vatican prepares for a state funeral, global attention has already turned to the College of Cardinals, who will soon gather to elect a new pope.
Among the leading contenders are Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana and Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea—two influential African figures whose candidacies have ignited conversations about a potentially historic moment: the election of the first modern African pope.
But beyond the symbolism, pressing questions remain: Does the race or origin of the next pontiff truly matter? And what material influence does the Pope wield in shaping both global and African affairs?
To explore these issues, we were joined by Gibson Nyikadzino, a political analyst who delves into the deeper implications of papal leadership at a time of shifting geopolitical and religious dynamics.
