After the passing of Pope Francis at 88 years old, the Catholic Church is getting ready for a conclave to choose his replacement.
One of the top contenders is Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson from Ghana, a notable leader in the Church’s initiatives for social justice.
Born in 1948 in Wassaw Nsuta, Ghana, Cardinal Turkson has enjoyed an esteemed religious career.
He held the position of Archbishop of Cape Coast from 1992 until 2009 and was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003.
He has occupied important roles in the Vatican, such as President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Cardinal Turkson is recognised for his support on matters including climate change, poverty, and economic fairness. His election would be groundbreaking, as he would become the first African pope in more than 1,500 years.
Additional notable candidates consist of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State; Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines; and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi from Italy.
The group of cardinals under 80 years old will gather in the next few weeks to choose the new pope.
NKONKONSA.com
