As speculation intensifies regarding the successor to Pope Francis following his death on Monday, April 21, Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson is emerging as a leading candidate to assume the role of head of the Catholic Church. This development could signify a pivotal moment for both the Vatican and the African continent.
The next pope, who will be the 267th leader of the global Catholic Church, will influence the spiritual direction of over 1.5 billion Catholics worldwide, including a robust and expanding Catholic community in Ghana.
The implications of this decision are profound, especially as the Church confronts pressing issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, the role of women, climate change, and its engagement with the developing world.
Although the conclave—the secretive assembly of Cardinals responsible for electing the pope—is notoriously unpredictable, Cardinal Turkson is drawing significant attention, as his election would make him the first Black Pope in history.
Who is Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson?
At 76 years old, Cardinal Turkson, who hails from Western Ghana and previously served as the Archbishop of Cape Coast, has established himself as a prominent figure within the Vatican. He has held various significant positions under Pope Francis, including acting as the pontiff’s peace envoy to South Sudan.
He is regarded as a mediator between the conservative and progressive elements within the Church.
Cardinal Turkson holds a complex stance on some of the Church’s most contentious issues. Regarding LGBTQ+ rights, he has acknowledged that while many African nations impose excessively punitive laws, it is essential to respect the cultural and traditional values of African societies.
“We are not in favor of criminalisation,” he has stated, while also emphasizing that African viewpoints should not be disregarded.
Although he was a strong contender during the 2013 conclave that resulted in the election of Pope Francis, his candidacy faced backlash when he suggested that homosexuality played a role in the clerical sex abuse crisis. He asserted at the time that such abuses would be less likely in African churches due to the strong cultural taboos surrounding same-sex relationships.
Although he was a prominent contender during the 2013 conclave that resulted in the election of Pope Francis, his candidacy faced significant backlash due to his assertion that homosexuality played a role in the clerical sex abuse scandals. He argued at the time that such abuses were unlikely to occur in African churches, attributing this to the strong cultural prohibitions against same-sex relationships.
Nevertheless, his deep connections to Ghana, extensive theological expertise, and experience in international diplomacy position him as a compelling candidate in a Church that is increasingly oriented towards the Global South.
A Global Church Moving Beyond Europe
Historically, the Papacy has been predominantly European. However, with a decline in Catholic populations across much of Europe and a surge in numbers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, there is a growing sentiment that the Church needs a pope who embodies its evolving demographic.
The election of a pope from Africa or Asia—such as Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines—would be seen as a significant departure from tradition and a representation of inclusivity. For many Africans, the ascension of Cardinal Turkson to the papacy would be a moment of great pride and acknowledgment of the continent’s rising significance in global Christianity.
The Path Forward
Other leading candidates include Italy’s Cardinal Pietro Parolin, viewed as a moderate continuity figure, and Hungary’s Cardinal Peter Erdo, known for his conservative stance. The conclave will also evaluate candidates like Malta’s Cardinal Mario Grech and Portugal’s Cardinal Jose Tolentino, each offering unique theological and diplomatic insights.
For Ghanaians—and indeed many across Africa—Cardinal Turkson symbolizes the hope for a Church that genuinely represents its diverse membership.
As Catholics worldwide anticipate the iconic white smoke that indicates the election of a new pope, Ghana remains in prayerful anticipation and vigilance.
Should Cardinal Turkson be selected, it would mark a pivotal moment not only for the Vatican but also for Ghana’s role in the annals of the Catholic Church.
