Cardinal Turkson Once Hesitated—Now He’s a Leading Figure in Race for Papacy

By Adama Abubakar

In 2010, Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson expressed reservations about becoming the first Black pope, stating, “I wouldn’t want to be that first black pope. I think he’ll have a rough time.” At the time, he believed that neither he nor the Catholic Church was prepared for such a historic shift.

Now, following the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Turkson’s name has resurfaced as a potential successor. He is among several African cardinals considered viable candidates, reflecting the continent’s growing prominence within the global Catholic community.

Historically, Africa has contributed to the papacy, with Pope Victor I, who served from 189 to 199 AD, hailing from North Africa. Today, Africa’s Catholic population is rapidly expanding, contrasting with the declining numbers in Europe. This demographic shift has led to increased calls for representation at the highest levels of Church leadership.

Cardinal Turkson, born into a modest family in Ghana, became the country’s first cardinal in 2003. He has played significant roles within the Vatican, including mediating peace efforts in Ghana and addressing global issues such as climate change and economic justice. Notably, he has adopted a moderate stance on LGBTQ+ rights, opposing criminalization and advocating for respectful dialogue.

Other prominent African cardinals include Robert Sarah of Guinea, known for his conservative views, and Fridolin Ambongo of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who has been vocal in opposing the Vatican’s recent guidance on blessing same-sex couples. Cardinal Ambongo, representing the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), stated that such blessings are contrary to African cultural norms and could cause confusion among the faithful.

Pope Francis’s papacy marked a significant shift towards inclusivity, appointing cardinals from diverse regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Currently, African cardinals constitute approximately 12% of the College of Cardinals, up from 8% during the previous conclave.

Despite these advancements, some African clergy believe that underlying discrimination persists within the Church hierarchy. A Congolese priest, speaking anonymously, suggested that subtle biases continue to hinder the election of an African pope.

An African pope could bring unique perspectives to pressing issues such as economic inequality, climate change, and the role of the Church in rapidly developing societies. As the global Catholic community anticipates the next conclave, the possibility of an African pontiff represents both a nod to the Church’s historical roots and a step towards embracing its diverse future.