In April 2022, Turkson transitioned to a new role as Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a position he currently holds. Throughout his career, he has remained a moderate voice within the Church, earning global respect for his balanced views on social justice, environmental issues, and interfaith dialogue.
Vatican City – global Catholic community is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City. His passing has initiated the process to elect a new pontiff, with attention turning to prominent figures within the Church who may succeed him.
Among the leading contenders is Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, a distinguished Ghanaian cleric who could make history as the first Black Pope. Born into a large family in Western Ghana, Turkson pursued seminary studies both in Ghana and in New York before being ordained in 1975. He later advanced his theological education at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, where he earned both a licentiate and doctorate in scripture studies.
Fluent in English, French, Italian, and German, Cardinal Turkson is widely respected for his intellectual acumen and global outlook. His pastoral and academic background has positioned him as a key voice in contemporary Catholic discourse.
Appointed Archbishop of Cape Coast in 1992 by Pope John Paul II, Turkson was elevated to the rank of cardinal in 2003. His rise continued under Pope Benedict XVI, who in 2009 brought him to Rome to lead the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. He retained this role during the early years of Pope Francis’ pontificate and later became the inaugural prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in 2016.
In April 2022, Turkson transitioned to a new role as Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a position he currently holds. Throughout his career, he has remained a moderate voice within the Church, earning global respect for his balanced views on social justice, environmental issues, and interfaith dialogue.
Though he has faced opposition from more conservative clerics in Ghana due to his progressive stance on matters such as LGBTQ+ rights, Turkson has consistently advocated for respect and compassion while urging sensitivity to African cultural contexts. His influence was particularly noted during the 2013 papal conclave, where he was a significant figure in the selection of Pope Francis.
As reported by various international outlets including ET Now and The Week, the growing Catholic population in Africa has added momentum to calls for an African pope, and Turkson’s name is frequently mentioned in that conversation. With the Church now at a pivotal crossroads, his candidacy symbolizes both continuity and change.
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