Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, has affirmed that an African papacy remains achievable despite centuries of European dominance.
Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues Sunday, the first Ghanaian cardinal (elevated 2003) addressed widespread speculation about his papal prospects following Pope Francis’s death and persistent continental underrepresentation.
“One cannot say it is too late,” Turkson stated, acknowledging Africa’s delayed entry into papal contention. “We are kind of late coming into this race… Many African nations still await their first cardinal.” He reframed the discourse from timelines to capacity-building: “What matters is developing credible figures with global appeal.”
His analysis highlighted structural gaps – only 25% of Africa’s 236 million Catholics are represented among voting cardinals. Turkson urged focus on cultivating leadership depth rather than symbolic milestones, noting his own appointment opened pathways previously unavailable.
The cardinal dismissed notions of inevitability while expressing personal hope: “I pray for it daily.” His stance challenges perceptions of Vatican insularity as African Catholicism grows projected to comprise 26% of global Catholics by 2050 versus Europe’s 16%.
