The church has never elected an African pope in its modern history. If it did, it would likely indicate a continuing trend of increased focus on African and Asian church members, who make up a large percentage of the world's Catholics. But it could affect Africa in larger ways, too.

While an African pope would be a historically stunning development, just one of the drawbacks is that no African cardinal holds a major office in the Vatican.

Pope Francis often pointed to Africa, which is seeing the highest growth in population in the Catholic church, as the continent of joy and hope. A continent where the world can see how religious ...

In a statement provided to OSV News, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington said that it was "providing limited and temporary assistance to South Africans traveling through Dulles International Airport this week to final destinations elsewhere.

All eyes are on the Vatican as the conclave deliberates. Speculation is rife that the next pontiff may come from Africa or Asia.

White smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday signalling a new pope has been elected.Cardinals chose the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday after starting the conclave in which the new leader is chosen on Wednesday.