Watch: Might the next pope come from Africa?
Watch: Might the next pope come from Africa?

As the world mourns the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church faces a critical moment in choosing its next spiritual leader.
Read the full article on BBC World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The BBC article's central premise, that the next Pope *might* come from Africa, is plausible and discussed in multiple sources. However, the article's opening line incorrectly states that Pope Francis has died. This is a significant factual error. The article also presents a narrative that leans towards the possibility of an African Pope, which introduces a degree of bias.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** "As the world mourns the death of Pope Francis..."
- Verification Source #1: States "As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday..." This statement is made in February 2025.
- Verification Source #5: States "14 hours ago ... So where might the next pope come from — and who might he be, and..." This implies Pope Francis is still alive.
- Analysis:** This claim is a significant factual error. The provided sources contradict the claim that Pope Francis has died. This is a major inaccuracy.
- Claim:** The Catholic Church faces a critical moment in choosing its next spiritual leader.
- Verification Source #1: Supports this claim by discussing potential successors.
- Verification Source #3: Supports this claim by discussing the possibility of the next Pope coming from Africa or Asia.
- Verification Source #5: Supports this claim by discussing potential candidates to succeed Pope Francis.
- Analysis:** This claim is generally accurate, as the selection of a new Pope is always a significant event for the Catholic Church.
- Claim:** Implied claim that the next Pope *might* come from Africa.
- Verification Source #2: Directly addresses "Why the next pope should be African."
- Verification Source #3: Asks "Could the next pope come from Africa or Asia?"
- Verification Source #4: Mentions "If they pick someone from Africa next it will mean two popes from two bastions of Catholicism."
- Verification Source #5: Mentions "The last pope born in Africa was Pope Gelasius I, who died in 496."
- Analysis:** This claim is plausible and supported by multiple sources. The sources discuss the possibility and implications of an African Pope.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Contradiction:** The BBC article states Pope Francis has died, while Verification Source #5 implies he is still alive. Verification Source #1 also states that Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, February 2025.
- Agreement:** Multiple sources (Verification Source #1, #2, #3, #5) discuss the succession of Pope Francis and the possibility of the next Pope coming from Africa or Asia.
- Lack of Coverage:** The provided sources do not offer specific details about the BBC video's content beyond the initial statement. Therefore, a complete assessment of the video's accuracy is limited.