As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church stands at a pivotal juncture as it prepares to select its next spiritual leader.
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, initiating the process to elect a successor.
While arrangements for his funeral are in progress, attention has quickly turned to the potential candidates for the papacy, with two African Cardinals—Peter Turkson from Ghana and Robert Sarah from Guinea—emerging as prominent figures in the discussion.
Cardinal Peter Turkson
Cardinal Peter Turkson, aged 76, is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential Catholic leaders in Africa. A native of Ghana, Turkson was appointed Archbishop of Cape Coast in 1992 by Pope John Paul II and was elevated to the rank of cardinal in 2003, becoming the first Ghanaian to receive this honour.
Over the years, Turkson has played a leading role in Vatican discussions on critical issues such as social justice, climate change, and human rights. He has held the position of President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and later became the inaugural Prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, a role established by Pope Francis.
Turkson is known for advocating a more inclusive and compassionate Church, confronting global challenges like poverty and environmental concerns while holding moderately progressive views on issues including homosexuality. His election would represent a significant milestone, marking him as the first Black African pope.
Cardinal Robert Sarah
At 79, Cardinal Robert Sarah is a prominent advocate for Catholic orthodoxy. Born in Guinea, Sarah has had a distinguished career within the Vatican, having served as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments from 2014 until his retirement in 2021.
During his tenure, Sarah became known for his steadfast defence of traditional Catholic liturgy and doctrine, opposing same-sex marriage, abortion, and modern gender ideologies. He has also publicly condemned Islamic extremism, positioning himself as a guardian of both Catholic identity and global peace.
In 2016, he ignited controversy by suggesting that priests should celebrate Mass facing the altar, a practice largely set aside following the Second Vatican Council. His conservative theological stance and dedication to preserving the Church’s ancient traditions have garnered him both admiration and criticism within the Catholic community.
