Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, made headlines in May 2025 with a candid remark during a public lecture in Lagos, stating that electing a pope is not an “Emilokan” affair—a reference to President Bola Tinubu’s 2022 campaign slogan meaning “it’s my turn” in Yoruba.
Kukah’s comment was in response to growing discussions about the possibility of an African pope, particularly amid speculation about the health of Late Pope Francis. Kukah humorously suggested that Africa should focus on achieving a more attainable global milestone, like winning the FIFA World Cup, before aspiring to lead the Catholic Church.
Kukah’s statement was part of a broader discourse on Africa’s global influence and the challenges of representation in institutions like the Vatican. He acknowledged the contributions of African cardinals, such as Nigeria’s Francis Arinze and Ghana’s Peter Turkson, who have been considered papabile (potential popes) in past conclaves, but emphasized the complex geopolitics of papal elections. The bishop argued that Africa’s priorities should include addressing poverty, conflict, and underdevelopment, using the World Cup analogy to highlight the need for tangible achievements that unite and inspire the continent. He pointed to Morocco’s semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup as a sign of Africa’s potential, urging investment in sports infrastructure and youth development.
The remark sparked varied reactions, with some praising Kukah’s wit and realism, while others criticized it as downplaying Africa’s spiritual influence. The comment also reignited debates about Nigeria’s role in global Catholicism, given its large Catholic population and influential clergy. Kukah, known for his outspoken views on governance and social justice, used the platform to call for unity among African nations to achieve collective goals, whether in sports, politics, or religion. His statement has fueled discussions about Africa’s place on the world stage as the continent prepares for events like the 2026 World Cup.