The front-runners to succeed Pope Francis, who passed past Sunday morning, have been officially revealed—and sitting boldly among them is Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, a proud son of Ghana!
As global tributes pour in for Pope Francis, conversations are quickly shifting to the sacred halls of the Vatican, where a historic moment could be brewing. The big question on everyone’s lips: Could Cardinal Turkson become the first Black African Pope since Pope Gelasius I (492–496 AD)?
Joining Turkson on this holy shortlist are heavyweights from across the globe:
Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): Charismatic and youthful, often dubbed “The Asian Francis.”
Pietro Parolin (Italy): The Vatican’s top diplomat and current Secretary of State.
Peter Erdő (Hungary): A brainy Cardinal with deep European roots.
Angelo Scola (Italy): A theological titan with strong influence in the Italian Church.
But eyes across Africa—and much of the world—are locked on Cardinal Turkson, a man whose journey to this point reads like a divine script.
Born in 1948 in Western Ghana, Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson was ordained a priest in 1975 and rose through the ranks to become the first Ghanaian Cardinal, appointed by Pope John Paul II in 2003. A respected voice on peace, economic justice, and environmental issues, Turkson gained international attention during his time as the President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. His groundbreaking work highlighted the Church’s role in tackling global inequality, climate change, and social reform.
Known for blending deep spirituality with real-world advocacy, Turkson is admired for his humility, intellect, and commitment to Africa’s place in the global Catholic conversation. His fluency in multiple languages, including Fante, English, French, Italian, and Hebrew, only adds to his appeal in a truly global Church.
Now, as the College of Cardinals prepares to enter conclave in the coming weeks following the solemn farewell to Pope Francis, the stage is set. And Ghana’s very own could walk onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the iconic “Habemus Papam”—“We have a Pope.”
Will history be made? Will the white smoke rise for Africa?
Time, prayer and the Holy Spirit will tell.
Story by Obaapa Janee/ ahotoronline.com
