THE CARDINAL FROM NSUTA WASSAW; TARKWA-GHANA

CARDINAL TURKSON WITH THE LATE POPE FRANCIS AND OTHERS

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson is a distinguished Ghanaian prelate of the Catholic Church, renowned for his extensive pastoral and Vatican service. 

Born on October 11, 1948, in Wassaw Nsuta, Ghana, he was ordained a priest in 1975. He served as Archbishop of Cape Coast from 1992 to 2009 and was elevated to the cardinalate by Pope John Paul II in 2003, becoming Ghana's first cardinal. 

Cardinal Turkson has held several significant positions within the Vatican. He was President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace from 2009 to 2017 and the inaugural Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development from 2017 to 2021. Since April 2022, he has served as Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.​

Known for his advocacy on social justice, environmental issues, and economic equity, Cardinal Turkson has been a prominent voice in the Church's engagement with global challenges. His leadership and experience have led to speculation about his potential to become the first Black pope in modern history, especially following the death of Pope Francis. 

However, his conservative views on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights may influence his prospects.

Fluent in multiple languages, including Fante, English, French, German, Italian, and Hebrew, Cardinal Turkson's international experience and commitment to the Church's mission continue to make him a significant figure in global Catholicism.​

MICHAEL OPPONG-AMPONSAH