With the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, attention has now turned to who will lead the Catholic Church next.
Among the names drawing global attention is Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, a respected figure within the Vatican and a potential contender to become the first Black pope in the Church’s history.
Turkson, who hails from the Western Region of Ghana and is one of ten children, began his journey in the priesthood in the 1970s. His early religious studies took him from seminaries in Ghana to institutions in New York, before he pursued advanced scripture studies in Rome. Fluent in multiple languages including English, French, Italian, and German, Turkson is admired for his deep intellect and broad international experience.
He was appointed Archbishop of Cape Coast in 1992 by Pope John Paul II, who later elevated him to the rank of cardinal in 2003. His global profile rose under Pope Benedict XVI, who entrusted him with leading peace missions such as one to South Sudan. He was also asked to serve as the head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, a position he held into the papacy of Pope Francis.
Over the years, Turkson has been recognized for his moderate views and willingness to address complex social issues. He has voiced concerns over harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Africa while still respecting cultural sensitivities, earning both praise and criticism. He has also been active in conversations about climate change, economic inequality, and the Church’s role in global development.
After serving as the head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, he transitioned in 2022 to lead the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, where he continues to influence the Church’s stance on science and ethics.
Turkson played a prominent role in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, and observers believe his standing within the College of Cardinals remains strong. As Africa’s Catholic population continues to grow, many within the Church are looking more seriously at the continent’s leadership potential in global Catholicism.
Though the decision on who becomes the next pope lies with the conclave of cardinals, Peter Turkson’s name remains high on the list of potential successors. His life story, experience, and global outlook could appeal to a Church at a crossroads—one seeking to balance tradition with a need to connect more deeply with an evolving world.