Peter Turkson

Stored: Peter Turkson

His Eminence Peter Turkson
Bishop of College of Cardinals
Home diocese:	Archdiocese of Cape Coast
Other diocese 1:
Other diocese 2:
Other diocese 3:
Ordination:	20 July 1975 by Archbishop John Kodwo Amissah
Consecration:	27 October 1992 by Pope John Paul II
Rank:	Cardinal
Created cardinal:	21 October 2003 by Pope John Paul II
Personal details
Born:	Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson 11 October 1948 Wassaw Nsuta, Ghana
Died:
Nationality:	Ghana
Education:	Pontifical Biblical Institute
Motto:	"Vivere Christus est"
Role:	Emeritus
Theology:	Moderate
Region:	West Africa
Rite:	Roman Rite
Conclave Eligibility:	Eligible

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, born (1948-10-11) October 11, 1948, is a Ghanaian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, widely regarded as a leading African cardinal and a potential candidate for the papacy, notably during the 2013 conclave and again in 2025 following Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025. Ordained a priest in 1975 for the Archdiocese of Cape Coast and consecrated a bishop in 1992, he was elevated to cardinal in 2003 by Pope John Paul II, serving as Archbishop of Cape Coast (1992–2009) and later as President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (2009–2016) and Chancellor of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development (2016–2021). His moderate theology, reflected in his motto "Vivere Christus est" ("To live is Christ"), emphasizes social justice, environmental stewardship, and economic equity, aligning with Francis’ priorities. At age 76, Turkson is eligible for the 2025 papal conclave, with recent analyses and X posts highlighting his candidacy as a potential first Black pope in centuries, though his age and past Vatican departmental tensions may temper expectations (Web ID: 4, 8, 18, 24; Post ID: 0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

Turkson’s leadership has strengthened African Catholicism through education and interfaith dialogue, earning praise for his global advocacy on climate change and poverty, notably at the UN General Assembly in 2015. However, his conservative stances on moral issues like same-sex marriage and abortion, combined with a perceived power struggle during the 2016 Vatican dicastery merger, have drawn criticism (Web ID: 24; Post ID: 2). His academic background in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute and fluency in multiple languages enhance his international stature. Despite strong support for his candidacy, the unpredictable nature of conclave dynamics and competition from other cardinals like Luis Tagle and Pietro Parolin make his election uncertain (Web ID: 14, 18). As an emeritus cardinal, Turkson’s influence in the post-Francis Church is significant, centered on his conclave participation and enduring legacy in African and global Catholicism.

Biography

Birth and early life

Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson was born on October 11, 1948, in Wassaw Nsuta, Western Region, Ghana (then Gold Coast), the fourth of ten children in a Methodist-Catholic family. His father was a carpenter, and his mother sold vegetables, instilling a strong work ethic and faith. Raised in a multi-religious community, Turkson’s early exposure to Catholic missions sparked a vocation, leading him to enter St. Teresa’s Minor Seminary in Amisano at age 14.

Ghana’s post-independence era and the Church’s growing role in education shaped Turkson’s commitment to social justice. His intellectual aptitude and fluency in Fante, English, French, Italian, German, and Hebrew were evident early, foreshadowing his global Church roles.

Education

Turkson studied philosophy and theology at St. Teresa’s Seminary (1966–1969) and St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary in New York (1969–1971), earning a bachelor’s degree. He pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, obtaining a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture (1976–1980) and beginning a doctorate, interrupted by his episcopal appointment. He later completed biblical studies in Jerusalem.

His education emphasized scriptural scholarship and Vatican II’s call for social engagement, equipping him to address African and global challenges. Turkson’s multilingual proficiency and academic rigor prepared him for leadership in the universal Church.

Priesthood

Ordained a priest on July 20, 1975, by Archbishop John Kodwo Amissah for the Archdiocese of Cape Coast, Turkson served as a parish priest and taught at St. Teresa’s Seminary (1975–1976). He was a professor of Sacred Scripture at St. Peter’s Regional Seminary in Pedu (1980–1987) and a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, focusing on biblical exegesis and catechesis.

His priesthood navigated Ghana’s political transitions, emphasizing education and interfaith dialogue. Turkson’s scholarly and pastoral skills earned him recognition, leading to his appointment as Archbishop of Cape Coast.

Bishop

Consecrated Archbishop of Cape Coast on October 27, 1992, by Pope John Paul II, Turkson served until 2009, strengthening Catholic education and social services. Elevated to cardinal in 2003 with the title Cardinal-Priest of San Liborio, he participated in the 2005 and 2013 conclaves. Appointed President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in 2009, he led global advocacy on peace and development until 2016, when Francis merged his department into the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, where he served as Chancellor until 2021.

Turkson’s advocacy on climate change and poverty earned global recognition, but his conservative moral stances and perceived tensions during the 2016 merger drew criticism (Web ID: 24; Post ID: 2). Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 76, he is a leading contender for the papacy, with strong support for his potential as the first Black pope, though conclave dynamics remain unpredictable (Web ID: 4, 8, 18; Post ID: 0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

Diocese	Role	Start Date	End Date	Notes
Archdiocese of Cape Coast	Archbishop	27 October 1992	24 October 2009	Strengthened education, social services
Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace	President	24 October 2009	31 August 2016	Advocated for peace, development
Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development	Chancellor	1 January 2017	31 December 2021	Focused on climate, poverty issues

Significant events

• Entered St. Teresa’s Minor Seminary in 1962.
• Ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Cape Coast in 1975.
• Consecrated Archbishop of Cape Coast in 1992.
• Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003.
• Appointed President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in 2009.
• Participated in the 2005 and 2013 conclaves.
• Resigned as Chancellor of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in 2021.
• Confirmed as a contender for the 2025 conclave.

Books

Written about the bishop

• No known books specifically about Cardinal Turkson.

Written by the bishop

• Hope and Action: Sub-Saharan Africa and Integral Human Development by Peter K.A. Turkson, ISBN 978-0809153947

External links

• Peter Kodwo Appiah Cardinal Turkson at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
• Biography of Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson at Vatican Press Office
• Vatican News article on Turkson’s resignation