Peter Turkson, a 76-year-old Ghanaian cardinal, has emerged as a leading contender for the papacy, positioning himself as a prominent candidate to become the first African pope in modern history. With his advocacy for social justice and a strong track record in the Catholic Church, Turkson’s candidacy is gaining significant attention.
Currently, Turkson is widely regarded as one of the top candidates in the betting markets, with odds standing at 5:1. A veteran of the Vatican’s key positions, he is known for his tireless work on issues such as climate change, poverty, and economic justice. His advocacy for marginalized communities and his deep commitment to social equity have won him a reputation as one of the most influential church leaders globally.
Born in Wassa Nsuta, Western Ghana, in 1948, Turkson’s early life was shaped by a modest upbringing. Raised in a family with a Methodist mother and a Catholic father, Turkson was exposed to diverse religious traditions, influencing his approach to the Church’s teachings on unity and inclusivity. As one of ten children, Turkson’s background in a working-class family shaped his strong sense of social responsibility, which he later carried into his role in the Vatican.
Turkson’s academic journey reflects his deep commitment to theological education. He studied at St. Teresa’s Minor Seminary and St. Peter’s Regional Seminary in Ghana, later pursuing advanced theological studies in the United States and Rome. He was ordained in 1975 and earned advanced degrees in Sacred Scripture. His academic background allowed him to rise quickly within the Church, with Pope John Paul II appointing him Archbishop of Cape Coast in 1992. His efforts in this role further solidified his standing as a key leader in the Ghanaian Church.
In 2003, Turkson was made a cardinal, becoming the first Ghanaian to hold such a title. He participated in two significant papal conclaves: the 2005 election of Pope Benedict XVI and the 2013 election of Pope Francis. These experiences positioned him at the center of Church leadership, where he gained a reputation as a papabile — a serious contender for the papacy.
From 2009 to 2017, Turkson served as President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, where he focused on the social and economic issues facing the global Church. His outspoken views on climate change and economic injustice gained widespread recognition, aligning closely with the priorities set forth by Pope Francis. Turkson also called for the establishment of a “global public authority” to address global financial inequalities, highlighting his commitment to justice for both the rich and poor.
Beyond his focus on social justice, Turkson has also been an influential figure in international diplomacy. In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as a mediator in the Ivorian political crisis, where he worked toward a peaceful resolution to the conflict. His diplomatic skills were further tested when he was sent to South Sudan in 2016 to encourage peace talks between warring factions, cementing his reputation as a key advocate for global peace and reconciliation.
In 2017, Turkson was named the first prefect of the newly established Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, a position that underscored his commitment to social and environmental justice. His tenure at the Dicastery was marked by initiatives to address poverty, human rights, and the global economic crisis. Although his term ended in 2021, his influence within the Vatican continues as he was appointed Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in 2022.
Turkson’s candidacy represents a historic opportunity for the Catholic Church, as he stands as a potential leader who could bridge gaps between Africa and the rest of the world. His background as an African prelate places him in a unique position to address global issues through a different lens. If elected, he would follow in the footsteps of Pope Gelasius I, the last African pope, who led the Church from 492 to 496 AD.
Fluent in several languages, including English, Fante, French, Italian, and German, as well as Latin and Greek, Turkson’s global reach and communication skills further position him as a capable leader for the modern world. His leadership is seen as a reflection of the Church’s global priorities, and his papacy could usher in a new era of inclusivity and social responsibility.
As the Catholic Church prepares for the next papal election, all eyes will be on Turkson, whose candidacy could not only mark a significant moment in Church history but also redefine the future of the Vatican’s role in global social and political issues. Should he be elected, Peter Turkson would lead the Church into a new chapter focused on justice, peace, and the challenges facing the modern world.