Africa as a whole is strong in the faith – it is the only continent where numbers are still growing and it ordains the highest number of priests in the world. With over 52 million believers, the Democratic Republic of Congo has the most Catholics, followed by Nigeria with around 35,000 members.
Also, Victor the First was the first African and 14th Pope, back in around the year 186… Later Melchiades and Gelasius also served, representing the continent and having a lasting impact on the early foundations of the Church.
Europe has long been the largest source of cardinals, but today, with Africa’s expanding presence in Catholicism, there are currently three in the running, Ghana’s Peter Turkson, DR Congo’s Fridolin Ambongo and Guinea’s Robert Sarah. Known for his conservative views, he has served in the Roman Curia for over two decades.
Finally, we’re joined by Dr Adeyinka Olarinmoye, cultural anthropologist and lecturer at Lagos State University, to discuss African religiousness.