Will the next Pope be black? A Roman Catholic bishop assessed the chances of candidates from Africa.

Discussions continue among Catholics regarding a possible successor to Pope Francis from Africa. Bishop Vitaliy Kryvytskyi, who leads the Kyiv-Zhytomyr diocese, shared his thoughts on this prospect.

According to Kryvytskyi, a Pope from Africa is a possibility, as there are worthy cardinals who could be in contention for the Holy See.

The bishop also mentioned prophecies, including one that asserts if a Pope comes from Africa, he will be the last in history. However, Kryvytskyi believes this depends on God's will.

Kryvytskyi also noted that Christians in Africa face widespread persecution, but this does not hinder the development of the Catholic Church on the continent.

Regarding the meeting of US Vice President Jay D. Vance with the Pope, Kryvytskyi admitted that he has no information about the reasons for this meeting, and pointed out that the living Pope is never discussed in terms of successors. Decisions about successors are made by the cardinals in a conclave.

It is recalled that Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88. The election of a new Pope will be an important signal for the Catholic community and the world, as it will determine the direction of the Church's development in the coming years.