Vatican City – Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson of Ghana is often mentioned as a potential candidate for pope. His significant experience and respected intellect make him a notable figure. Yet, hurdles remain for the possibility of an African papacy.
As Ghana’s first cardinal, Turkson has been a key representative for the African Church within the Vatican. He has held important leadership roles, including heading departments for Justice and Peace and Human Development. Currently, he serves as Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences, confirming his standing in the Church’s central administration.
Representation Gap Despite Growth
Despite figures like Cardinal Turkson, the Catholic Church has not yet elected a pope from Africa. This occurs even as the Catholic population in Africa grows rapidly. Estimates suggest nearly one-third of the world’s Catholics could reside in Africa by 2050. The leadership, however, continues to be mainly European or Latin American. This difference highlights a gap in representation at the very top.
Challenges to an African Papacy
Why hasn’t an African cardinal become pope? Some suggest historical biases and ingrained perceptions about leadership roles create difficulties. During the 2013 papal election, media coverage often focused on Cardinal Turkson’s race rather than his extensive qualifications. This points to a wider tendency to view Black excellence differently. An African papacy would need the Church to move past these views.
Internal factors also contribute. Africa’s diverse cultures and languages mean its cardinals might not always vote as a single bloc, unlike some European groups. Reports suggest even some African church leaders have questioned if the continent is fully prepared to support a papal candidate, potentially reinforcing external doubts.
Cardinal Turkson remains a highly capable leader within the Church. Whether the path opens for him or another African candidate depends significantly on the College of Cardinals addressing these historical perspectives. An African papacy would represent a major shift for the global Catholic Church.
Abiodun Labi
