Could the first American Pope be African-American? All about Cardinal Wilton Gregory
Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, is emerging as a historic contender for the papacy.
Could the first American Pope be African-American? It’s a question that has gained traction in recent years, especially as Cardinal Wilton Gregory continues to break new ground in the Catholic Church.
In 2020, Gregory became the first African-American cardinal in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. As the Archbishop of Washington, D.C., one of the most prominent dioceses in the U.S., he holds a position of significant influence—both in the American Church and globally.
Born in Chicago in 1947, Gregory converted to Catholicism as a child and was ordained a priest in 1973. He has long been seen as a pastoral leader who emphasizes inclusion, healing, and transparency.
His leadership was especially visible during the U.S. Church’s sex abuse crisis, where he called for reforms and accountability. Over the years, he has served as the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and has often spoken out on issues of racial justice, poverty, and immigration.
The idea of an African-American Pope is groundbreaking but not out of reach. The Catholic Church has become increasingly global, with a significant portion of the faithful now living in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. While the majority of Popes have come from Europe, recent history—such as the election of Pope Francis from Argentina—shows a shift toward broader representation.
Archbishop Emeritus Wilton Gregory of Washington, the world's only African-American cardinal, at his titular church this morning in Rome for Mass ahead of #Conclave2025. pic.twitter.com/xbRCiMYsQy
— Nate Tinner-Williams (@natemup) May 4, 2025
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Cardinal Gregory’s election to the papacy would be historic. It would signal a powerful embrace of diversity and mark a major step forward in the Church’s efforts to reflect the global body it serves.
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