Global Attention Turns to Cardinal Turkson Following Pope Francis’ Passing
The death of Pope Francis at age 88 marks a significant transitional moment for the Roman Catholic Church, initiating widespread speculation regarding his successor. Among the most prominent figures emerging in the wake of this development is Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana. Turkson has steadily become a standout candidate, drawing global attention for his progressive stances on social issues and his distinguished record of advocating for human rights, economic justice, and climate change.
Peter Turkson, born in Ghana, has had a substantial influence in the Church as Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. He has publicly addressed influential gatherings such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, raising his profile internationally by persistently calling attention to economic disparities and advocating ethical financial policies to address global inequality. If Turkson were elected, he would represent a significant historical milestone, becoming the first Black African pope in over fifteen centuries since Pope Gelasius I in the 5th century.
Rev. Father Andrew Campbell, a prominent Ghanaian Catholic figure and founder of the Weija Leprosarium, expressed optimism over the possibility of Turkson’s election, highlighting his qualifications and moral leadership:
“Cardinal Turkson embodies the modern spirit and ethical clarity the Church needs right now. His election would genuinely signal an openness of the Church to lead globally, transcending traditional racial and ethnic barriers.”
Turkson’s candidacy is buoyed by a groundswell of support from within African Catholic communities, reflecting the continent’s rising status that could reshape the global Catholic Church.
Contenders and Challenges: The Road to Vatican Leadership
While Cardinal Turkson stands out for his progressive credentials, his potential election does not come without debate within the Church. Turkson has previously made statements suggesting a more inclusive approach to LGBTQ+ issues, a stance that may provoke resistance from more conservative factions. However, his broader message of inclusivity resonates widely among Catholics seeking a modernized, socially engaged papacy.
Another prominent African candidate is Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, a conservative figure who contrasts sharply with Turkson’s more progressive views. Sarah, a former head of the Vatican liturgy office, has consistently voiced opposition to same-sex marriage, abortion, and divorce. Similarly, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of Congo also emerged as a potential leader, notably as the only African member of Pope Francis’ influential Council of Cardinals. Ambongo has publicly opposed recent Vatican moves to ease restrictions on non-liturgical blessings for same-sex unions, revealing the ongoing doctrinal tensions within the Church.
Other significant international contenders include Cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy, the Vatican’s current Secretary of State, and Péter Erdő from Hungary, both representing more traditionalist segments within the Vatican. Matteo Zuppi, another prominent Italian Cardinal known for peace-building and social justice, further adds dynamism to the leadership debate, especially through his association with the Community of Sant’Egidio.
Given the complexity of these theological and doctrinal divides, the conclave’s decision will profoundly affect the Church’s future direction. The election, expected within the next few weeks, will reflect not only theological considerations but also geopolitical and cultural dynamics within global Catholicism.
A Historical Context and Broader Implications for the Church
Historically, the selection of pontiffs has predominantly favored European or Italian candidates. Cardinal Turkson’s candidacy could signal a significant shift, reflecting the global diversification of the Catholic majority, which increasingly resides outside Europe, notably in Africa and Latin America. Africa’s Catholic community has grown exponentially from roughly 45 million in 1970 to over 250 million today, shifting the Church’s geographical center of gravity significantly.
This shift aligns with Turkson’s long-standing advocacy for global justice and environmental stewardship, echoing Pope Francis’s agenda on climate change and poverty alleviation. By potentially electing an African pope, the conclave could underline the Vatican’s recognition of Africa’s growing importance within global Christendom, a move that could invigorate Catholic communities worldwide.
Cardinal Turkson himself has publicly addressed the importance of transcending race and ethnicity when choosing Church leaders. An old video surfaced recently, showing Turkson citing examples of prominent leaders like Barack Obama and Kofi Annan to advocate for broader inclusivity within the Church:
“If God wills for a Black person to become the leader of the Catholic Church, then so shall it be. Leadership should not be confined by ethnicity, but guided by divine choice and capability.”
The potential impact of Turkson’s papacy cannot be overstated. Should he ascend to the papacy, it would not only symbolize historical significance but also potentially align the Church more closely with pressing global issues. His election could signal a progressive shift, positioning the Catholic Church as a proactive advocate for social justice, environmental sustainability, and global equity in alignment with its growing African constituency.
In the coming weeks, global observers will watch closely as the conclave convenes to decide the future direction of the world’s largest Christian community. The decision they reach may not only impact doctrinal orientations but also the Catholic Church’s collective role in addressing the pressing global challenges of the 21st century.