Cardinal Peter Turkson: A contender to be the first black pope in modern times

The Vatican is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis. Crowds of mourners have been gathering at St Peter’s Basilica, where his body has been on display since Wednesday morning.

The pope, who died on Easter Monday aged 88, will be buried on Saturday in a service attended by the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Among the potential candidates is Cardinal Peter Turkson, who could be the first black pope in modern history.

Who is Cardinal Peter Turkson?

Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, 78, is Ghanaian. If chosen, he would become the first African pope in 1,500 years. This is not his first time in contention for the top role. Appointed as the first Ghanaian cardinal in 2003 by Pope John Paul II, he was considered a strong contender when Pope Francis was elected a decade later. Despite being the favourite at the time, Cardinal Turkson was narrowly overlooked. Now, his name is once again circulating as a potential successor.

However, Cardinal Turkson has previously expressed doubts about accepting the papacy. In 2013, he told the BBC: “I’m not sure whether anyone does aspire to become a pope.”

In addition to his theological work, Cardinal Turkson is known for his musical talent as a guitarist and was once part of a funk band.

How did he become so heavily involved in the Catholic Church?

Cardinal Turkson was born into a large family of 10 children. He studied in New York and Ghana, which broadened his horizons.

After his ordination in 1975, he continued his theological studies at the esteemed Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, where he earned both a licentiate and a doctorate in scripture studies.

Fluent in German, French, Italian and English, Cardinal Turkson is renowned among his peers for his intellectual depth and global perspective. His linguistic abilities have allowed him to connect with diverse people, further solidifying his influence within the Catholic Church.

In 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him Archbishop of Cape Coast, Ghana. His exceptional leadership and theological insight led to his elevation to cardinal in 2003.

What posts has he held?

Several renowned roles have defined Cardinal Turkson’s influence within the Catholic Church. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI invited him to Rome to lead the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, a position he maintained under Pope Francis. This appointment led to his prominent role advocating for social justice and global peace.

In 2016, he became the first prefect of the newly established Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. This combined multiple areas of the Church’s social doctrine, including human rights, peace and charity. His leadership in this role was vital in aligning the Church’s activities with modern humanitarian needs.

In April 2022, Cardinal Turkson transitioned from his position at the Dicastery to become the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a noteworthy role he still holds today. Established in 1603, the academy is one of the world’s leading scientific institutions. It promotes the study and progress of the social sciences, such as economics, sociology, law, and political science. It is an important resource for the Church in shaping its social doctrine.

The Pontifical Academy of Sciences has a storied history, with past members including the famous Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei, who was part of the academy’s early foundations. The role underscores Cardinal Turkson’s dedication to integrating scientific insight into the Church’s mission, blending faith with knowledge to address modern global challenges.

Why is he considered a favourite to be the next pope?

Cardinal Turkson is frequently named a top contender for the papacy due to his influential leadership and willingness to speak out for his beliefs. As a prominent figure within the Catholic Church, he is renowned for being unafraid to tackle difficult issues, making him a respected yet sometimes contentious figure.

Known for holding conservative views on many aspects of the Church, Cardinal Turkson has consistently upheld the traditional doctrines, particularly regarding the sanctity of life and family values. However, he has also displayed a progressive approach on issues affecting his African congregation, showing a willingness to confront the Church’s stance on certain matters, especially regarding human rights.

One of his most notable stances was his opposition to the criminalisation of homosexuality in African nations, including his home country of Ghana. In 2023, as Ghana’s Parliament discussed a bill imposing severe penalties on LGBTQ+ people, Cardinal Turkson publicly stated that “homosexuality should not be treated as an offence”. His comments reflected a broader advocacy for human dignity and freedom of sexuality, despite potential tensions with some more orthodox bishops.

His dedication to social justice is also evident in his ongoing support for issues such as the environment, poverty and the right to peace.

Pope Benedict XVI appointed him a peace envoy to South Sudan, underscoring his commitment to diplomacy and humanitarian concerns.

Cardinal Turkson has gained recognition within the Church as a “revered, moderate voice”, respected for his leadership and ability to balance faith with real-world issues. His reputation as someone who can bring both intellectual depth and compassion to the role of pope makes him a serious contender.

• Culled from standard