Ghanaian cardinal, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, known for his leadership in the Church's social doctrine and his expertise on environmental and development issues.
| Criterion | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Moral doctrine | Conservative |
| Liturgy | Moderate-conservative |
| Sociopolitical | Very progressive |
| Relationship with Pope Francis | Moderate-progressive |
| Dialogue | Very progressive |
| Communication | Progressive |
| Overall tendency | Moderate-progressive |
Born on October 11, 1948, in Wassaw Nsuta, Ghana, Peter Turkson is the fourth of a family of ten children. From a modest background, he was ordained a priest in 1975 after studies in Ghana, the United States, and Rome, where he obtained a doctorate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute.
In 1992, he was appointed Archbishop of Cape Coast, thus becoming the Primate of Ghana. In 2003, John Paul II created him cardinal, making him the first Ghanaian cardinal in history. He chaired the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference from 1997 to 2005.
In 2009, Benedict XVI appointed him President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. In 2016, he became the first Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, a position he held until 2021. Since 2022, he has been Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
Cardinal Turkson is generally perceived as conservative on doctrinal matters, while being engaged on social and environmental issues. He notably collaborated on Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato si', highlighting environmental and social justice.
His long career within the Roman Curia and his relationships with Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis give him a respected stature. However, he is not considered a leader of a specific group of cardinals, which could limit his direct influence during the conclave.
Cardinal Turkson upholds traditional Catholic moral teachings, particularly on issues like abortion and contraception. He has publicly criticized the inclusion of abortion and contraception in the United Nations' reproductive health goals, emphasizing the Church's stance against such practices. While he has shown some openness to dialogue on topics like homosexuality, his overall position remains conservative.
Cardinal Turkson supports traditional liturgical practices, including the Latin Mass, while also embracing African inculturation. His balanced approach reflects a respect for liturgical tradition alongside cultural adaptation.
Cardinal Turkson is a prominent advocate for social justice, environmental stewardship, and human rights. He has addressed issues such as climate change, migration, and economic inequality, aligning closely with Pope Francis's emphasis on integral human development.
Cardinal Turkson has maintained a collaborative relationship with Pope Francis, serving in key Vatican roles and supporting the Pope's initiatives on social and environmental issues. While he resigned from his prefect position in 2021, he continues to hold significant responsibilities within the Vatican.
Cardinal Turkson actively engages in interreligious dialogue, emphasizing mutual respect and collaboration among different faiths. He has participated in various interfaith initiatives, promoting peace and understanding.
Known for his effective communication skills, Cardinal Turkson utilizes various platforms to engage with the faithful and the broader public. His approachable style and multilingual abilities enhance his pastoral outreach.
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Croatia
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France
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United States
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Myanmar
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Croatia
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Italy
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Switzerland
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Hungary
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Sweden
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Ivory Coast
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Italy
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United States
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India
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Italy
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Switzerland
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Iraq
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France
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Kenya
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Israel
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Kenya
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