North Africa, now predominantly Muslim, was once a pivotal center of Christianity, producing influential Catholic popes whose legacies still resonate within the Church today. Their papacies occurred during the Roman Empire, which encompassed areas that are now Tunisia, northeast Algeria, and the western Libyan coast.
According to Prof Christopher Bellitto, a historian at Kean University, “North Africa was the Bible Belt of ancient Christianity.” As Catholics across Africa anticipate the selection of a new pope to succeed Pope Francis, there is a renewed interest in the historical significance of the continent’s three previous African popes and their contributions, including the establishment of Easter Sunday and St. Valentine’s Day as notable celebrations.
Pope Victor I: The pioneer of Easter celebrations
Pope Victor I, who served from 189 to 199 AD, is believed to have been of Berber descent. During his tenure, Christians faced persecution from Roman authorities for refusing to worship the Roman pantheon. Victor I’s most significant achievement was standardizing the celebration of Easter on a Sunday.
In the 2nd Century, various Christian groups in the Roman province of Asia celebrated Easter in conjunction with the Jewish Passover, which varied each year. In contrast, Christians in the Western Empire held that Jesus was resurrected on a Sunday, thus advocating for a uniform observance. This became a contentious issue known as the “Easter controversy.” To address the discord, Victor I convened the first Roman Synod, threatening excommunication to those bishops who resisted his directive. Prof Bellitto noted, “He was a rather forceful voice for getting everyone on literally the same page.” Additionally, Victor I introduced Latin as the Church’s common language, transitioning from the previously dominant Ancient Greek.
Pope Miltiades and Pope Gelasius I: Navigating a new era
Pope Miltiades, believed to have been born in Africa, served from 311 to 314 AD during a time when Christianity was increasingly embraced by Roman emperors. Although he benefited from the favorable climate towards Christians under Emperor Constantine, Prof Bellitto states that Miltiades was more a benefactor than a negotiator. He became the first pope to receive an official residence, a palace gifted by Constantine, and was allowed to build the Lateran Basilica, now considered the oldest public church in Rome.
Pope Gelasius I, whose papacy lasted from 492 to 496 AD, is recognized as the most significant of the three. While there is debate over his birthplace, he is thought to have been of North African descent. Gelasius I was the first pope to adopt the title “Vicar of Christ,” reinforcing the papacy’s authority. He introduced the Doctrine of the Two Swords, which delineated the separate yet equal powers of the Church and the state, claiming divine endorsement for both. Furthermore, Gelasius I played a crucial role during the Acacian Schism, asserting the supremacy of the Roman papacy over Eastern and Western Churches. He is also credited with establishing St. Valentine’s Day on February 14, 496 AD, commemorating the Christian martyr known for his secret marriages during Emperor Claudius II’s ban.
There has been no African pope since Gelasius I, who served more than 1,500 years ago. The decline of the Church in North Africa can be attributed to numerous factors, including the collapse of the Roman Empire and the rise of Islam in the 7th century. However, some scholars argue that the dominance of Islam does not wholly account for the absence of African popes. Prof Bellitto posits that the election of new popes became largely an Italian affair, although there is optimism for future candidates from Africa or Asia due to the growing Catholic population in the southern hemisphere.
Current statistics reveal that Africa is home to 281 million Catholics, comprising 20% of the global Catholic community. Among the potential successors to Pope Francis are three Africans: Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana’s Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, and Guinea’s Robert Sarah. Prof Mwaura suggests that while Christianity thrives in Africa, the Church’s power remains concentrated in the north, where resources are more abundant. As the Church continues to strengthen within Africa, the possibility of an African pope may eventually arise.