Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, the Catholic Church enters a pivotal period of transition as preparations begin to elect a new spiritual leader. With global attention now focused on potential successors, two African cardinals, Peter Turkson from Ghana and Robert Sarah from Guinea have emerged as prominent contenders for the papacy.
According to report from The Nation, Cardinal Peter Turkson, aged 76, is considered one of Africa’s most respected Catholic leaders. Appointed as Archbishop of Cape Coast in 1992 by Pope John Paul II, he became the first Ghanaian cardinal in 2003. Turkson has been a vocal advocate for social justice, climate action, and human rights within the Church. He previously led the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and was later appointed by Pope Francis to head the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development. Known for his balanced views, Turkson promotes a more compassionate, inclusive Church. While moderately progressive on issues like homosexuality, he also emphasizes the Church’s moral responsibilities in addressing poverty and environmental issues. If elected, Turkson would be the first Black African pope in Catholic history, a groundbreaking moment for the global Church.
Cardinal Robert Sarah, aged 79, presents a contrasting yet equally influential perspective. A native of Guinea, Sarah held several significant roles in the Vatican, most notably as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments until his retirement in 2021. A staunch conservative, Sarah is known for his strict adherence to traditional Catholic teachings. He has firmly opposed same-sex marriage, abortion, and gender theory. Sarah is also recognized for defending the Church’s traditional liturgy and sparked debate in 2016 by urging priests to celebrate Mass facing the altar, a practice that had fallen out of common use. His bold stance against Islamic extremism and vocal defense of Catholic orthodoxy has made him a polarizing figure admired by conservatives and challenged by reformists.
As the Church prepares to elect a new pope, the possibility of an African leader—whether the reform-minded Turkson or the traditionalist Sarah signals a significant moment in Church history. The world now watches as the conclave prepares to shape the future of the Catholic Church.
