World: 18 African cardinals set to help elect new Pope after Francis’ death
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Following the death of Pope Francis, 18 African cardinals are among the 135 eligible to vote in the upcoming papal conclave. Although the Catholic Church has 252 cardinals in total, only those under the age of 80 can participate in the election of a new pope.
Europe holds the largest number of voting cardinals with 53, followed by Asia with 23, and Africa with 18. Other regions include South America (17), North America (16), and Oceania and Central America with four each.
Among the African cardinals are Fridolin Besungu (DR Congo), Peter Okpaleke (Nigeria), Robert Sarah (Guinea), and Peter Turkson (Ghana). These leaders, along with others, will take part in the secretive process of choosing the next spiritual head of the Catholic Church.
The Vatican has already begun ceremonial activities, including Pope Francis’ funeral scheduled for Saturday. Preparations for the conclave are underway, with cardinals swearing oaths of secrecy and refraining from outside communication during the process.
To elect a new pope, a candidate must secure two-thirds of the votes. Voting will continue in several rounds each day until a new pope is chosen, with the traditional white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney signaling a successful election.
