This week on Wednesday, the world turns its attention to the Vatican, where a new Pope will hopefully be elected through one of the oldest and most sacred traditions of the Catholic Church—the conclave. For centuries, this solemn gathering has been a moment of deep reflection and powerful decision-making, one that shapes the moral compass of over a billion Catholics across the globe. But this year’s conclave is monumental for another reason: for the first time in history, Rwanda will have a representative at the table. This inclusion is more than symbolic. It is a recognition of the Catholic Church’s growing diversity and the vital role Africa—and indeed Rwanda—plays in shaping the future of the faith. Most importantly, it is something directly attributable to Pope Francis and the progressive nature of his reign, which came to an end last month when he succumbed to an illness aged 88. But as the cardinals enter into prayer and deliberation, the world waits not just for continuity, but for courageous leadership. The next Pope must be more than a custodian of tradition; he must be a bold reformer—one who builds on the legacy of Pope Francis. Pope Francis showed what it meant to embrace humility and truth. He challenged the Church to face its past, including its painful silence in the face of atrocities like the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. His decision in 2017 to formally atone for the role of the Church in Rwanda’s genocide history was not only historic—it was healing. Now, the Church stands at another crossroads. It needs a prelate who will continue to break down the walls of secrecy and status quo that have too often shielded wrongdoing. We need a Pope who will confront abuse and corruption with transparency. Most importantly, one who will hold leaders accountable amidst cases of molestation of young children by senior clerics and not protect them. One who sees the Church not as an institution of power, but as a sanctuary of service, justice, and truth. Rwanda’s presence in the conclave is a proud moment for our nation. But it is also a reminder that the voice of the Global South matters—and must be heard in shaping the future of the Church. As the red-clad cardinals cast their ballots, may they choose a Pope who sees beyond boundaries, who listens to the suffering, and who leads with the fearless compassion our world so urgently needs. The time for safe choices has passed. The Church—and the world—deserves a Pope for tomorrow, not yesterday.
