Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson Emerges Frontrunner in Papal Election

Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah
By
Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson Emerges Frontrunner in Papal Election
Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson
Written By : Ekow Adjei Mensah

Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson is a prominent contender in the papal election, considered one of the potential cardinals to succeed Pope Francis. Born on October 11, 1948, in Wassa Nsuta, Western Ghana, Turkson has had a distinguished career in the Catholic Church. He served as Archbishop of Cape Coast from 1992 to 2009 and was appointed president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace by Pope Benedict XVI.

Turkson's experience in the Vatican includes leading the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, a role he held from 2017 to 2021. He has been a vocal advocate for social justice, human rights, and world peace. His diplomatic skills were showcased when he acted as a peace envoy to conflict zones like South Sudan and Ivory Coast.

As a cardinal, Turkson has been known for his moderate views, balancing progressive and traditionalist perspectives within the Church. On LGBTQ+ issues, he has walked a fine line, criticizing harsh anti-gay laws in Africa while acknowledging the continent's cultural context. This balanced approach could make him an appealing candidate to a broad range of cardinals.

Turkson's potential papacy is generating excitement in Africa, where the Catholic Church is growing rapidly. With over 250 million Catholics on the continent, many believe it's time for an African pope. Turkson's candidacy is seen as a symbol of inclusivity and representation in the Church's highest office.

Some analysts think his chances might be affected by his past statements, such as linking clerical abuse to homosexuality in a 2013 interview. However, he has since softened his tone, suggesting it's "time to begin education" on homosexuality.

If elected, Turkson would become the first African pope in over 1,500 years, potentially reshaping the global Catholic Church. His experience, diplomatic skills, and commitment to social justice make him a strong contender.

Other African cardinals, like Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is also in the running. Ambongo is known for his courageous stance on corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental damage in the DRC.

The papal election outcome is inherently unpredictable, and the College of Cardinals will ultimately choose the next pope based on their vision for the Church's future.

Comments

MORE FROM
culture

More From 3Music News

R2Bees Visualises AWURADE AYE
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | January 11th, 2026

R2Bees Visualises AWURADE AYE

AWURADE AYE, which translates to “God has done it,” is a soulful record that reflects on life’s love, survival…

AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Sets Tone For Semi-Finals
entertainment | sports | BY Christabel Newman | January 10th, 2026

AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Sets Tone For Semi-Finals

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has reached an electrifying stage following the conclusion of the quarter-finals, with four heavyweights booking their places in the semi-finals of the tournament, currently being hosted in Morocco...

Cardi B Warns of Legal Action Over False Claims About Her Father
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | January 9th, 2026

Cardi B Warns of Legal Action Over False Claims About Her Father

Cardi B has issued a strong warning to social media users, stating that she will pursue legal action against anyone who continues to spread false and damaging rumours about her father…

Donald Trump Rules Out Presidential Pardon for Sean Combs Following Handwritten Appeal
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | January 9th, 2026

Donald Trump Rules Out Presidential Pardon for Sean Combs Following Handwritten Appeal

U.S. President Donald Trump, has confirmed that he has no intention of granting a presidential pardon to music mogul Sean Combs, popularly known as Diddy, despite receiving a handwritten plea from the incarcerated artiste.

Liverpool Completes Signing of Mor Talla Ndiaye for U21S
entertainment | sports | BY Christabel Newman | January 9th, 2026

Liverpool Completes Signing of Mor Talla Ndiaye for U21S

Liverpool FC has confirmed the signing of young defender Mor Talla Ndiaye, who joins the club’s Under-21 squad, subject to international clearance...

Manchester City Complete Blockbuster Signing of Antoine Semenyo
entertainment | sports | BY Christabel Newman | January 9th, 2026

Manchester City Complete Blockbuster Signing of Antoine Semenyo

Manchester City has officially completed the signing of Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth, securing one of the most eye-catching moves of the January transfer window.

Arsenal and Liverpool Settle for Goalless Draw in Premier League Clash
entertainment | sports | BY Christabel Newman | January 9th, 2026

Arsenal and Liverpool Settle for Goalless Draw in Premier League Clash

Arsenal and Liverpool played out a tense 0–0 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night, as both sides were left frustrated in a Premier League encounter that promised much but delivered no goals...

Kwesi Arthur Announces New Project
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | January 8th, 2026

Kwesi Arthur Announces New Project

Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Kwesi Arthur has officially announced the release of his highly anticipated project…

DJ Khaled Has Endorsed Ghana’s Free The Youth x Jordan Brand Collaboration
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | January 8th, 2026

DJ Khaled Has Endorsed Ghana’s Free The Youth x Jordan Brand Collaboration

Ghana’s streetwear movement continues its global rise as Free The Youth (FTY) receives a major international endorsement from global music mogul DJ Khaled.

Stonebwoy Brings The Torcher Experience To Ho Stadium
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | January 8th, 2026

Stonebwoy Brings The Torcher Experience To Ho Stadium

Ghanaian global music icon Stonebwoy is set to make history in the Volta Region with his first-ever stadium concert, The Torcher Experience, scheduled for March 2026, with a specific day yet to be confirmed by the team, set to happen at the iconic Ho Stadium.

Amaarae Makes History With Electrifying Blackout Concert
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | January 8th, 2026

Amaarae Makes History With Electrifying Blackout Concert

Ghanaian Alté superstar Amaarae delivered a defining moment in her career with the highly anticipated Blackout Concert, a show widely hailed as one of the most successful and culturally significant music events in recent Ghanaian pop history…

Music Is My Life Concert Shakes Tema Till Dawn
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | January 7th, 2026

Music Is My Life Concert Shakes Tema Till Dawn

The 11th edition of the Music Is My Life Concert, has firmly cemented its status as one of Ghana’s most influential live music experiences, evolving beyond a concert into a full-scale cultural movement.

More Similar Videos

Hammer Shares Music Production Experiences and Artiste Relationships
culture | 3Music TV | April 4th, 2024

Hammer Shares Music Production Experiences and Artiste Relationships