Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson Emerges as Leading Contender to Succeed Pope Francis

As the Catholic world mourns the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, global attention is now turning to the question of who will succeed him as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Among the names gaining prominence is Ghana’s own Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson — a development that could usher in a groundbreaking chapter for both the Vatican and Africa.

The next pope will not only become the spiritual head of over 1.5 billion Catholics worldwide but will also help steer the Church’s course on pressing global issues — from LGBTQ+ rights and women’s roles to climate change and the Church’s growing footprint in the developing world.

Should Cardinal Turkson be elected, he would make history as the first Black pope in the Church’s nearly 2,000-year history. At 76 years old, Turkson is no stranger to the inner workings of the Vatican, having held key roles under Pope Francis — including as president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and later as the first head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

Born in Western Ghana and a former Archbishop of Cape Coast, Turkson has consistently been viewed as a voice of reason and reconciliation — a bridge between the conservative and progressive wings of the Church. He has earned international respect for his theological depth, diplomatic tact, and understanding of the needs of both the Global North and South.

Turkson’s views on LGBTQ+ issues and other contentious subjects reflect the complexity of his position. While he has been critical of the harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws in parts of Africa, he has also emphasised the need to respect local cultural norms. “We are not in favour of criminalisation,” he has stated, while cautioning against imposing foreign values on African societies.

His previous comment linking homosexuality to the clerical abuse crisis — a remark that drew significant backlash during the 2013 conclave — remains a stain on his record. Nonetheless, many believe his broader commitment to justice, peace, and inclusive development has since bolstered his standing within the Church.

For centuries, the papacy has been the domain of Europeans, particularly Italians. But as Catholic populations surge in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, the argument for a pope from the Global South has never been stronger.

Names like Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, Cardinal Mario Grech of Malta, and Cardinal Jose Tolentino of Portugal have been floated as possible successors. Italy’s Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a diplomatic stalwart, is also seen as a frontrunner, while Hungary’s Cardinal Peter Erdo represents the conservative bloc.

But in Ghana — and across much of Africa — the spotlight remains firmly on Cardinal Turkson. For many, his elevation would not only mark a symbolic shift but also signal a genuine commitment by the Vatican to embrace the Church’s changing demographic and spiritual realities.

The conclave, a closely guarded process involving the College of Cardinals, remains notoriously unpredictable. But as the bells of St Peter’s Basilica prepare to toll once more, and the world awaits the iconic white smoke that signals a new pope, Ghana remains prayerful and hopeful.

If Cardinal Turkson ascends to the papacy, it would be more than a personal triumph. It would mark a defining moment in the story of the Catholic Church — affirming the continent’s spiritual leadership and offering a powerful message of inclusivity to believers worldwide.

Whether or not the cardinal’s name is finally called, his candidacy alone reflects how far the Church — and Ghana — have come.

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