The world was rocked by the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church, at the age of 88. His historic papacy, which lasted over 12 years, came to an end on Monday, leaving the Church and the global community in mourning. As discussions begin about his successor, one name that stands out is Peter Turkson, a 76-year-old cardinal from Ghana. If chosen, Turkson would make history as the first Black pope in centuries, a groundbreaking moment for the Church.
Turkson is known for his strong advocacy on global issues such as poverty, climate change, and economic justice. While he upholds traditional Catholic teachings on matters like priesthood and marriage, he has shown openness on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, criticizing harsh laws in many African countries. Pope Francis trusted Turkson’s diplomatic skills, sending him as a peace envoy to South Sudan. Hailing from a region where Catholicism is rapidly growing, Turkson’s broad perspective and unwavering moral stance make him a compelling candidate for the future of the Church.
Aside from Turkson, several other names are being considered for the papacy. Pietro Parolin, a 70-year-old cardinal from Italy, is a leading candidate due to his role as the Vatican’s Secretary of State and his involvement in diplomatic negotiations with countries like China. Péter Erdő, a 72-year-old cardinal from Hungary, represents the conservative wing of the Church and is known for his advocacy of traditional Catholic teachings. Matteo Zuppi, a 69-year-old cardinal from Italy, is recognized for his pastoral sensitivity and peacebuilding efforts. Luis Antonio Tagle, a 67-year-old cardinal from the Philippines, is a prominent figure who could potentially become the first Asian pope, reflecting the growing Catholic population in Asia.
José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça, a 59-year-old cardinal from Portugal, is a theologian and writer known for his intellectual and spiritual influence. Mario Grech, a 68-year-old cardinal from Malta, serves as Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops and aligns with Pope Francis’ vision of an inclusive Church. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, a 60-year-old cardinal and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, brings extensive experience in interfaith dialogue and navigating the complex landscape of the Holy Land.
As the conclave approaches in the next two to three weeks, the world waits in anticipation for the selection of the next pope who will lead the Catholic Church into the future. Each candidate brings a unique perspective and set of qualities that could shape the direction of the Church in the years to come.
