The election of Pope Leo XIV in May 2025 signals a new era for the Catholic Church, with potentially meaningful implications for African women, especially in the realms of leadership, social justice, and community development.
Increasing Women’s Participation in Church Leadership
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has voiced continued support for increasing women’s participation in Church governance. Building on Pope Francis’ 2022 reform that allowed women to become full members of the dicastery with voting rights in the selection of bishops, Pope Leo XIV appears committed to advancing women’s influence within Church leadership.
While he maintains the Church’s stance against the ordination of women, his leadership may still open more opportunities for African women in administrative, educational, and pastoral roles, creating space for them to lead and shape Church operations at the community level.
Strengthening Social Justice and Community Outreach
With a background in missionary work and community development in Peru, Pope Leo XIV is known for championing social justice, inclusion, and servant leadership. These values align closely with the work of African women, who are often at the forefront of grassroots development, peacebuilding, and anti-trafficking efforts across the continent.
For example, in 2019, a delegation of 50 African women judges and prosecutors met at the Vatican to confront human trafficking and organized crime—initiatives the new pope is likely to continue supporting.
Advocating for Cultural Sensitivity and Local Empowerment
One of Pope Leo XIV’s most notable approaches is his emphasis on cultural sensitivity and dialogue within local Church communities. This mindset could empower African Catholic women to shape Church practices that better reflect their cultural identities, lived experiences, and spiritual needs.
What This Means for African Women in the Church
Though certain doctrinal boundaries remain unchanged, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership could bring more inclusive policies, greater support for women’s social initiatives, and broader recognition of African women’s contributions to the Church and society.
With Pope Leo XIV at the helm, African women in the Catholic Church may find more opportunities to lead, advocate, and influence within both ecclesiastical structures and broader global movements for justice and equality.
