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Meet African Cardinals who could be the next Pope

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As the world grieves the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church finds itself at a defining crossroads with the selection of its next spiritual leader.

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta, marking the beginning of the process to elect his successor.

While preparations for his funeral are underway, attention has swiftly shifted to the list of possible successors, with two African Cardinals—Peter Turkson of Ghana and Robert Sarah of Guinea—emerging as prominent contenders.

Cardinal Peter Turkson

Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential Catholic figures. Born in Ghana, Turkson became the Archbishop of Cape Coast in 1992 under Pope John Paul II and was elevated to cardinal in 2003, becoming the first Ghanaian to hold the title.

Over the years, Turkson has been at the forefront of Vatican conversations on social justice, climate change, and human rights. He has served as President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and later became the first Prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, a role created by Pope Francis.

Turkson is known for championing a more inclusive and compassionate Church, addressing global issues like poverty and environmental degradation while holding moderately progressive views on matters such as homosexuality. His election would mark a historic moment, as he would become the first Black African pope.

Cardinal Robert Sarah

At 79, Cardinal Robert Sarah stands as a strong voice for Catholic orthodoxy. Born in Guinea, Sarah has had a distinguished career within the Vatican, serving as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments from 2014 until his retirement in 2021.

Throughout his tenure, Sarah became known for his unwavering defence of traditional Catholic liturgy and doctrine, including his opposition to same-sex marriage, abortion, and modern gender ideologies. He has also publicly criticised Islamic extremism, positioning himself as a defender of both Catholic identity and global stability.

In 2016, he sparked debate by advocating for priests to celebrate Mass facing the altar, a practice largely abandoned after the Second Vatican Council. His conservative theology and commitment to preserving the Church’s ancient traditions have earned him both respect and criticism within the Catholic world.

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ADC calls on women to lead, shape Nigeria’s future

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As Nigeria observes International Women’s Day 2026, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged women to take active roles in politics and leadership to help build a more inclusive nation.

In a statement on Sunday, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, said Nigerian women carry a disproportionate share of social and economic responsibilities but remain underrepresented in decision-making positions.

“From mothers and teachers to doctors, nurses, and entrepreneurs, women sustain our nation every day. Yet their voices are often absent when decisions about our future are made,” the statement read.

The ADC highlighted that its National Working Committee is deliberately structured to include women, and emphasized that the party is the only one in Nigeria whose constitution reserves 40 per cent of all positions at every level for women.

“For the ADC, women are partners in nation-building, and empowering them strengthens Nigeria’s democracy. When Nigerian women rise, the nation rises with them,” Abdullahi added.

The party urged more women across the country to join its platform and contribute to shaping Nigeria’s political and democratic future.

“To the ADC, women are indispensable to the future of Nigerian democracy. A nation of over two hundred million people cannot reach its full potential when half of its population remains underrepresented in political leadership. Nigeria’s democracy will only become stronger when its institutions reflect the strength, talent, and diversity of its people,” the statement emphasized.

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Governor Chukwuma Soludo warns traditional worshippers against performing rituals in public spaces

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Governor Chukwuma Soludo has stated that while freedom of religion is guaranteed, religious practices must not interfere with public order or other citizens.

Speaking on the issue, he advised traditional worshippers to avoid carrying out rituals in public places such as riversides or road junctions. According to him, such activities should be confined to private properties.

He added that anyone caught performing rituals in open or public spaces would be required to explain themselves to security operatives.

The governor emphasized that religious freedom does not extend to actions that disrupt public peace or raise security concerns.

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Imam D!es in a Mosque During Khutbah

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An Imam has reportedly passed away while delivering the Khutbah in a Mosque as Muslims observe their month of fast.

In a Facebook post by one Abdullahi Isezuo Sanni in a Muslim group, “Dua is the gift from Allah”, the cleric was said to have suddenly stopped his sermon and gave up the ghost.

The post reads:
“The Imam of Umar Ibn Al-Khattab Masjid in Morocco passed away on a blessed Friday while delivering the Khutbah, speaking profoundly about the reality of the afterlife and the certainty of death.

In a moment that deeply moved worshippers, he paused his sermon, appeared to sense his final moments, and began reciting the Kalimah-e-Shahada, the ultimate declaration of faith for every Muslim. His passing in the house of Allah, during worship, stands as a powerful reminder of life’s purpose and the truth of the Hereafter.

May Allah forgive his shortcomings, elevate his ranks, and grant him Jannat-ul-Firdaus. Ameen.

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