Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the Archbishop of Kinshasa and a prominent advocate for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is emerging as a potential candidate for the papacy following the unexpected death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

Born in 1960 in Boto, Democratic Republic of Congo, Fridolin Ambongo Besungu rose through the Catholic Church hierarchy to become one of Africa's most influential religious leaders. After being ordained as a priest in 1988 and earning his doctorate in moral theology from Rome's Alphonsian Academy, he served in various episcopal roles before his appointment as Archbishop of Kinshasa in 2018.

Ambongo, a Capuchin friar and moral theologian, has been serving in various episcopal roles since 2004 and was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2018. His vocal criticism of corruption and colonial legacies, has positioned him as a possible contender for the papacy, and if elected, he would become the first Black pope in 16 centuries.

As cardinals prepare to gather for the conclave in Rome, observers are keenly watching for indications that the succeeding pontiff could be from Africa or another region that has been historically underrepresented in the papacy. Such a selection would mirror the Church's increasing demographic shift towards the Global South and its calls for enhanced inclusivity.

While Ambongo is often cited as a potential African papal candidate, most Vatican analysts consider Ghana's Cardinal Peter Turkson the stronger African contender. But some observers suggest the selection of the first Black pope in modern history remains unlikely, with European and Latin American cardinals still viewed as more probable choices for the succession.