Following the death of Pope Francis at age 88, the Catholic Church is preparing for a conclave to elect his successor. Among the leading candidates is Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson of Ghana, a prominent figure in the Church’s social justice efforts.
Born in 1948 in Wassaw Nsuta, Ghana, Cardinal Turkson has had a distinguished ecclesiastical career. He served as Archbishop of Cape Coast from 1992 to 2009 and was elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003. He has held significant positions within the Vatican, including President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Cardinal Turkson is known for his advocacy on issues such as climate change, poverty, and economic justice. His election would be historic, making him the first African pope in over 1,500 years.
Other prominent contenders include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State; Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines; and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy.
The conclave, composed of cardinals under the age of 80, will convene in the coming weeks to elect the new pope.
📰 The Guardian
