Who is Peter Turkson, the conservative Ghanaian cardinal leading the African Church and top contender to become the next Pope
Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana is known for his deep commitment to social justice and his growing influence within the African Church.
Peter Turkson’s path through the Catholic hierarchy has been shaped by a lifelong dedication to social justice and human development. These qualities have made him a leading voice not only across Africa but also within the Vatican. At 76, Turkson has been a tireless advocate for human rights, working to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and migration.
He was ordained a priest in 1975 and quickly stood out for his leadership and pastoral devotion. In 1992, he was appointed Archbishop of Cape Coast, a diocese of around 300,000 faithful, where his leadership proved instrumental in strengthening the local Church. His ability to mediate in times of crisis was clear in 2008, when he played a key role in defusing tensions during national elections in Ghana that were at risk of turning violent.
Peter Turkson’s rise through the Vatican ranks
In 2003, Pope John Paul II elevated Turkson to the rank of cardinal, making him the first cardinal from West Africa. The appointment recognized not only his service in Ghana but his growing importance on the global stage. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI named him president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, where Turkson championed initiatives focused on social justice and human rights. His work helped draw Vatican attention to urgent issues like reconciliation, poverty, and brain drain on the African continent.
Pope Francis, acknowledging his leadership and vision, appointed Turkson in 2016 as prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. This dicastery, which merged several Vatican departments, oversees economic and social issues that are central to Francis’s agenda. Under Turkson’s guidance, the office has tackled matters including human rights, migration, and climate change, and has represented the Holy See at major global gatherings, including the World Economic Forum in Davos.
See also: The longest conclave in history: 1,006 days, cardinals dying, and only bread and water
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