The death of Pope Francis has stirred both grief and global conversation about who should lead the Catholic Church next.
While some are hopeful that the next pope could come from Africa, Father Michael Quaicoe believes the most important factor isn’t where the next pontiff comes from, but whether he aligns with God’s purpose.
“If that person is from Ghana or from Africa, it would make me happier,” said Father Quaicoe, the Catholic liaison to Ghana’s Parliament. “But it isn’t, for me, the most important variable in this conversation.”
“The most important variable, as I’ll repeat, is God’s plan and design rather than what one would want or desire,” he added during an appearance on the Asaase Breakfast Show.
While acknowledging the presence of African candidates, Father Quaicoe emphasized prayer and spiritual discernment over personal or continental aspirations.
“So yes, Africa has candidates and we pray for them. But we also pray that, notwithstanding, the one we will have—wherever he will come from—will be the one who is indeed chosen by God for his Church and for the world.”
Meanwhile, the Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis passed away from a stroke, followed by irreversible cardiovascular arrest.
According to his official death certificate released by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the Vatican’s chief doctor, the Pope also slipped into a coma before his passing.
He had reportedly been battling a number of health challenges in recent months, including a lung infection, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Despite his ailments, Pope Francis remained active in his papal duties, with his last major appearance being during Easter Mass at Saint Peter’s Square, where he offered blessings to the faithful.
