Has There Ever Been an African Pope?

Throughout the history of the Roman Catholic Church, some 267 people—excluding the antipopes—have sat on the Throne of Saint Peter, representing Christ’s flock on Earth. This article delves into the likelihood of having African popes among this lineage, exploring the historical context and the potential presence of dark-skinned leaders in the early Church.

Early Popes and Their Origin

Early popes were often born in Africa and the Western Middle East, particularly in modern-day Syria. This region was known for producing several of the early popes, such as Saint Victor I and Saint Miltiades. The prevalence of African and Middle Eastern popes continued until the early seventh century when these regions fell to Islamic conquests, leading to a significant shift in the demographic composition of the papacy.

Key Figures in African Pope History

Saint Victor I (155 AD - 199 AD)

Saint Victor I was the first pope born on the African continent. His papacy is traditionally known to have spanned from May 26, 189 AD, to July 28, 199 AD. He was known for excommunicating early Christians who viewed Jesus as a mere mortal and imposing the Quartodeciman controversy, which forced bishops around modern-day Turkey to celebrate Passover/Easter with the rest of the Christian world.

Saint Miltiades (311 AD - 314 AD)

Saint Miltiades, born in 270 AD, was the Pope during the end of Christian persecution in the Roman Empire. He ruled from July 2, 311 AD, to January 10, 314 AD. Miltiades' tenure was notable for his association with the theological reforms of Constantine the Great and his presiding over the Lateran Council of 313 AD, where he condemned Donatism as heresy and excommunicated its members.

Saint Gelasius (491 AD - 496 AD)

Saint Gelasius, of Berber descent, ascended the papal throne in 491 AD. His pontificate was marked by significant events such as resolving the Acacian Schism by declaring the See of Rome as the supreme source of decision-making within the Church and authoring the controversial document There Are Two to Emperor Anastasius I, which would influence relations between secular states and the Vatican for centuries.

Other Notable Popes with Middle Eastern Descent

Several other popes who were either born in the Middle East or had Middle Eastern descent include:

Pope Saint Peter (30-64) Pope Evaristus (99-107) Pope Saint Hippolytus (217-235) Pope Theodore I (642-649) Pope John V (685-686) Pope Saint Sergius I (687-701) Pope Sisinnius (708) Pope Constantine (708-715) Pope Saint Gregory III (731-741)

It is important to note that just because a pope was born in Europe, it does not mean that they could not have been of mixed ancestry, similar to the same reasoning that being born in Africa or the Middle East does not exclude one from being light-skinned.

Rome as a Hub of Diversity

Rome, a major trading and political hub of the first millennium AD, attracted people from all over the world. Voluntary and involuntary migrations, such as military conquests and slavery, contributed to the diverse population of the city. Early Christianity was particularly well-received by Jews, Syrians, Africans, and European women, making it likely that even among the European-born popes, at least one may not have been of Caucasian descent.

Visual Evidence and Cultural Implications

An ancient mural depicting Pope Saint Paschal I (817-824) provides a striking visual example. The mural shows him as remarkably dark-skinned, with the stereotypical bright red lips often depicted in classical art when portraying a Black man. Despite being born in Rome, the mural suggests that Pope Saint Paschal I may have had Middle Eastern or North African features.

Conclusion

While we may never know with certainty the shading of the early popes, historical records and cultural evidence suggest the likelihood of African and Middle Eastern popes. It is possible that many Black Popes have been part of our history, and the modern world may never officially recognize them due to the absence of racial obsession in past eras. Nonetheless, the rich and diverse history of the early Church highlights the potential presence of these influential figures.