Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, born on October 11, 1948, in Wassaw Nsuta, Ghana, is a prominent figure in the Catholic Church with a distinguished career spanning decades. Ordained a priest in 1975, he rose through the ranks to become Archbishop of Cape Coast from 1992 to 2009.
Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003, Turkson has since been recognized for his deep commitment to social justice, climate advocacy, and humanitarian issues. Fluent in multiple languages including English, Fante, French, Italian, German, and Hebrew, Turkson is well-equipped for international diplomacy and theological discourse.
Roles within the Vatican
Turkson has held significant leadership positions in the Roman Curia. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in 2009, a role in which he emphasized addressing global economic inequalities and the moral dimensions of financial crises. In 2017, Pope Francis named him the inaugural prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, where he worked on issues such as poverty, migration, and environmental stewardship until 2021. Since April 2022, Turkson serves as chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
Diplomatic and Social Contributions
Cardinal Turkson has been a key mediator in international conflicts, notably in Ivory Coast in 2011 and South Sudan in 2016, where he worked to foster peace and dialogue amid civil unrest. His advocacy extends to global economic reform, calling for a “global public authority” and ethical solidarity between nations to address financial crises and social inequalities. He has also been vocal on climate change, urging the Church and the world to care for creation as a moral imperative.
Papabile Status and the 2025 Papal Conclave
Turkson has been considered papabile-a viable candidate for the papacy-since the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis. As the 2025 papal conclave approaches, he remains a strong contender among other leading cardinals such as Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Matteo Zuppi. At 76, Turkson could become the first African pope in over 1,500 years, a historic milestone following Pope Gelasius I, who served in the late 5th century. His selection would symbolize a significant step toward greater diversity and inclusion in the Catholic Church’s leadership.
Public Perception and Legacy
Known for his progressive views on social justice and environmental issues, Turkson is often seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s legacy, emphasizing the Church’s role in addressing contemporary global challenges. While some media outlets highlight his potential to inspire millions, others note the challenges he would face in balancing tradition with reform. Despite this, Turkson’s extensive experience in Church governance and diplomacy positions him as a respected and influential voice within the Vatican.
Cardinal Turkson’s candidacy reflects the evolving face of the Catholic Church, increasingly attentive to voices from Africa and the Global South. His leadership could bring renewed focus on issues like poverty alleviation, climate action, and economic justice, aligning with broader calls for a more inclusive and socially engaged Church.
As the conclave convenes, Turkson’s blend of pastoral care, diplomatic skill, and commitment to integral human development makes him a compelling figure in the quest for the next pope.
