As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, attention is shifting to who might succeed him and among the leading contenders is Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson, a prominent voice within the Catholic Church and a potential history-maker as the first Black Pope.
Turkson, currently Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, has long been a respected figure in Vatican circles. Appointed a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003, he gained international recognition when Pope Benedict XVI named him a peace envoy to South Sudan.
The 75-year-old former Archbishop of Cape Coast has also served in various leadership roles within the Church and was a significant figure during the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis.
Known for his moderate views, Turkson has called for dialogue and compassion on divisive issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, an approach that has occasionally put him at odds with more conservative factions within his home country and the wider Church.
A staunch advocate for environmental responsibility and economic justice, Turkson has championed causes aligned with the Church’s social doctrine, echoing Pope Francis’ own papacy themes. His unique background, having studied in both Ghana and New York, adds to his global appeal.
Born into a family of ten in Western Ghana, Turkson’s journey from humble beginnings to the corridors of the Vatican has inspired many across Africa and the Catholic world.
