# Sub-Saharan Africa overtakes Europe (2020)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/2020-sub-saharan-africa-overtakes-europe
Location: Sub-Saharan Africa
Themes: Culture

By 2020, sub-Saharan Africa is home to 31% of the world's Christians against Europe's 22%, according to the Pew Research Center, making it the largest Christian region. Christians are the majority in 120 of 201 countries and territories. At this point in the timeline (2020), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Francis (13 March 2013 – 21 April 2025).

## Why it matters
The centre of gravity of world Christianity has moved decisively to the Global South.

Pope at the time: [Pope Francis](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-francis)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Christianity in Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Africa)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Sub-Saharan Africa overtakes Europe](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Sub-Saharan+Africa+overtakes+Europe)
- [Wikipedia — Modern Era (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_the_20th_century)