Meet Peter Turkson, Ghanaian cardinal who could be the next Pope

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, a distinguished Ghanaian prelate, has emerged as a prominent contender to succeed the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. If elected, Turkson would become the first African pope in over 1,500 years, marking a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church.

Early Life and Education

Born on October 11, 1948, in Nsuta-Wassaw, a mining town in Ghana's Western Region, Turkson is the fourth of ten children. His mother, a Methodist who later converted to Catholicism, sold vegetables in the local market, while his father worked as a carpenter in the manganese mines. Turkson's diverse religious background, including a Muslim paternal uncle, has contributed to his inclusive worldview.

Turkson began his religious education at St. Teresa’s Seminary in Amisano and later attended St. Peter’s Regional Seminary in Pedu. He furthered his studies in the United States at St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary in New York, earning a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theology. In 1980, he obtained a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome.

Ecclesiastical Career

Ordained as a priest on July 20, 1975, Turkson quickly rose through the ecclesiastical ranks. In 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Archbishop of Cape Coast, and he was consecrated in 1993. A decade later, in 2003, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals, becoming Ghana's first cardinal.

Turkson has held several significant positions within the Vatican. From 2009 to 2017, he served as the President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. In 2017, Pope Francis appointed him as the first Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, a role he held until 2021. Since 2022, he has been serving as the Chancellor of both the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

Advocacy and Global Influence

Cardinal Turkson is renowned for his advocacy on issues such as climate change, economic justice, and human rights. He has been a vocal proponent of the Church's engagement with global challenges, emphasizing the importance of social justice and environmental stewardship. His multilingual abilities—speaking English, Fante, French, Italian, German, and Hebrew—have enabled him to connect with diverse communities worldwide.

Turkson's diplomatic skills have been instrumental in mediating conflicts in regions like Côte d'Ivoire and South Sudan, where he acted as a papal envoy during times of civil unrest. His efforts in these areas have highlighted his commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Papal Candidacy and Significance

With the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church faces a pivotal moment in selecting its next leader. Cardinal Turkson's extensive experience, theological acumen, and dedication to social issues position him as a strong candidate for the papacy. His election would not only be historic due to his African heritage but also signal the Church's recognition of its growing demographic in the Global South.

Turkson's potential papacy is seen as a bridge between tradition and modernity, offering a perspective that honors the Church's doctrines while addressing contemporary global issues. His leadership could usher in a new era of inclusivity and engagement, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of the global Catholic community.