Cardinal Robert Sarah, the 79-year-old Guinean prelate and former head of the Vatican’s liturgy office, is trending globally following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. As the Catholic Church prepares for the upcoming papal conclave, Sarah has emerged as a prominent candidate to succeed the late pontiff.
Known for his staunch conservative views, Cardinal Sarah has been a vocal advocate for traditional Catholic teachings, particularly on issues of sexual morality and liturgical practices. He has previously clashed with Pope Francis, notably co-authoring a book with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI defending priestly celibacy at a time when Francis was considering allowing married priests in the Amazon region .
If elected, Sarah would become the first African pope since the fifth century, a historic milestone that has garnered significant attention and support, especially from conservative factions within the Church .
The conclave, expected to convene within the next few weeks, will see cardinals from around the world gather to elect the new pope. While the outcome remains uncertain, Cardinal Sarah’s candidacy represents a potential shift towards traditionalism and a reaffirmation of longstanding Church doctrines.
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