Chancellor of Pontifical Academy of Sciences & Social Sciences, His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson has said its not late for an African to be elected a Pope.
Following the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Peter Turkson was amongst the key names that came up to fill in the position due to his experience and longevity of service as a high-ranking member of the Catholic Church.
However, hopes of Africans and Ghanaians were dashed after Cardinal Turkson was not elected Pope.
Given the number of times it seemed like an African will be elected Pope but it never happened, many people believe it is too late.
However, Cardinal Turkson believes all hope is not lost.
Speaking in an interview on TV3’s Hot Issues, Sunday, July 13, His Eminence Turkson explained that chances of an African being elected a Pope is something which is now emerging and must be embraced.
“I’m the first Ghanaian Cardinal and this was in 2003, why not before? So, we are kind of late as it were coming up into this race and so that’s why one cannot say it is too late.
“There are some countries in Africa which has not even had its first Cardinal and so for me it’s not too late. It’s something that is beginning that we need to embrace,” he stated.
Cardinal Peter Turkson emphasised that the concern should rather be about finding credible figures in the subregion to attract huge international appeal to occupy such a position.
“What is important is for us is to have credible figures that attracts attention that can be named or suggest for such position, that’s what we need to do but it is never too late,” he noted.
He expressed optimism for such a feat to be achieved saying “I pray for it everyday.”
