Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana was once a prominent contender for the papacy, especially during the 2013 conclave that led to the election of Pope Francis. Despite being seen as a potential successor to Francis due to his close collaboration with the pontiff on pressing issues such as social justice and environmental concerns, his influence has waned following his resignation from a significant church position.
At 76, Cardinal Turkson remains one of the leading African cardinals who could potentially embody Francis’ legacy on key themes like economic equality and social advocacy, although his chances are now considered slim. Under Francis’ 2017 restructuring of the Vatican’s administrative bodies, Turkson was appointed to lead the office for Promoting Integral Human Development, which expanded its focus on issues central to the Pope’s agenda, including social justice, migration, and the environment. This role positioned him as a representative of the Vatican on an international stage, even at the United Nations.
However, after a governance investigation into the office he led, Cardinal Turkson stepped down, attributing it to the end of his term, while some observers interpreted it as a reflection on his management capabilities. Throughout his life, Turkson has emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue, influenced by his diverse upbringing in a large family with both Christian and Muslim backgrounds. He is multilingual, holding degrees from seminaries in Ghana, New York, and Rome, where he completed his doctorate in scripture studies. His ascension in the church ranks began under Pope John Paul II, and he continued to serve under Pope Benedict XVI.
While his future in the church may seem uncertain, Cardinal Turkson’s commitment to the values of social justice and his impressive academic and professional background continue to resonate within the global Catholic community.
This article sheds light on the transformative role of Cardinal Turkson within the church while reflecting on the challenges faced by influential figures within complex bureaucracies. His experiences underline the importance of resilience and adaptability in the fluctuating political landscape of the Vatican.