April 29, 2025 | 12:57 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Following the death of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church entered into a conclave to select its next leader. Among the names under consideration, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson from Ghana emerged as one of the most prominent candidates.
If chosen, he would become the first black Pope in the Church's long and storied history.
Cardinal Turkson, who is now 76 years old, was born on October 11, 1948, in Wassa Nsuta, located in the western region of Ghana. According to Antara on April 22, 2025, he is the fourth of ten children in a family marked by religious diversity. His father is Catholic, while his mother comes from a Methodist background.
He began his foundational priestly training in Ghana before continuing his studies at St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary in New York. He later pursued advanced theological education at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, where he earned a licentiate and conducted doctoral research in Sacred Scripture.
He was ordained as a priest in 1975 and was appointed Archbishop of Cape Coast in 1992 by Pope John Paul II. A decade later, he made history as the first Ghanaian cardinal.
His Vatican career began in 2009 when Pope Benedict XVI named him President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. According to reports, during his tenure in that role, Turkson became a key advocate for social justice and global solidarity.
He supported initiatives such as the creation of a global public authority and the development of a more ethical financial system.
Under Pope Francis's leadership, Turkson was tasked with heading the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. This newly formed body was designed to tackle humanitarian issues in a comprehensive manner.
When his term ended in 2021, he was appointed Chancellor of both the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, roles he continues to hold today.
Thanks to his wide-ranging experience in pastoral work, theological scholarship, and Church diplomacy, Turkson has earned international recognition. He has acted as the Vatican’s peace envoy in conflict zones such as Ivory Coast and South Sudan, and he has frequently spoken at major international gatherings, including the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Cardinal Turkson is often described as a moderate leader with an openness to reform. Although he comes from a region traditionally considered conservative, he has at times voiced criticism of anti-LGBTQ+ policies in Africa. He is also active in environmental causes, especially issues related to climate justice.
His fluency in several languages, including English, French, Italian, German, Latin, and Hebrew, along with his deep cross-cultural awareness, further enhances his qualifications as a papal candidate.
During the 2013 conclave, Turkson was also mentioned as a potential successor to Pope Benedict XVI, although the role ultimately went to Pope Francis.
In a 2023 interview, Turkson said that he did not wish to become Pope and preferred to pray not to be chosen. Nevertheless, observers believe that his continued involvement in the Church and global affairs suggests that he remains a serious contender for the papacy.
Rachel Caroline L. Toruan contributed to the writing of this article
Editor's Choice: Profile of Cardinal Pietro Parolin: Potential Candidate to Succeed Pope Francis
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Profile of Cardinal Pietro Parolin: Potential Candidate to Succeed Pope Francis
3 jam lalu
Get to know more about the profile and background of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, one of the strong candidates to succeed Pope Francis.
Vatican Announces Start Date of Conclave to Elect New Pope
3 jam lalu
Vatican has announced the date for the beginning of the conclave to select a new pope following the death of Pope Francis.
4 Strong Candidates to Succeed Pope Francis
5 jam lalu
Here are the four strong candidates who are said to have a big chance of succeeding Pope Francis.
Vatican's Next Steps After Pope Francis' Passing
23 jam lalu
After the burial of Pope Francis, the Vatican prepares several things related to the replacement of the Pope.
The Wealth of Pope Francis: A Study in Humility
1 hari lalu
Pope Francis is known for being a very humble figure. But, what is the true wealth of Pope Francis?
Pope Francis Laid to Rest: Highlights and Key Moments
1 hari lalu
The article covers the funeral of Pope Francis and the presence of various heads of state, including Donald Trump and Zelenskyy.
Today's Top 3 News: Jokowi Shares Front Row with Trump, Macron at Pope Francis' Funeral in Vatican
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Jokowi Delivers Prabowo's Message to Vatican: 'We Lost a Figure Who Brought World Peace'
2 hari lalu
Indonesian officials, including ex-president Jokowi, convey Prabowo's message of condolences on the passing of Pope Francis at the Vatican.
Jokowi Shares Front Row with Trump, Macron at Pope Francis' Funeral in Vatican
2 hari lalu
Former Indonesian President Jokowi was one of the four people sent by President Prabowo Subianto to the Vatican to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.
Vatican's St. Peter's Square Filled by 250,000 Mourners in Farewell to Pope Francis
2 hari lalu
Around 250,000 people fill St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, with another 150,000 lining the streets en route to Rome for Pope Francis' funeral.
