African cardinal Peter Turkson emerges as papal contender
The Vaticanist Richard Raho suggests that the new pope might be a cardinal from Africa. Among the potential candidates, he names Peter Turkson from Ghana, known for his environmental protection efforts. The expert also shared predictions about how long the conclave might last.
Key information
- Richard Raho identifies Cardinal Peter Turkson as a potential candidate for pope.
- Turkson is known for his work on environmental protection.
- RAI claims the conclave could start on May 5 or 6.
New pope from Africa?
American Vaticanist and theologian Richard Raho, in an interview with "Fakt," suggested that the new pope might be a cardinal from Africa. Among the potential candidates, he names Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana, who has been involved in environmental protection efforts.
Cardinal Peter Turkson, hailing from Ghana, serves as the Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. In the past, he was the Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast.
Cardinal Peter Turkson was at the forefront of Francis's environmental efforts as a result of the encyclical "Laudato si" - emphasized Richard Raho in the tabloid program "World According to Poland".
Turkson was already on the list of candidates for pope during the last conclave in 2013.
Raho also considers the scenario that the new pope could be a cardinal from Asia. In this case, he pointed to Luis Tagle.
This was the Archbishop of Manila, and he is now the prefect of the congregation for evangelization. He is nicknamed "little Francis" or "Asian Francis" - he added.
How long will the conclave last?
Raho emphasizes that discussions about electing the new pope take place outside the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals take an oath of secrecy, but conversations happen in private rooms and restaurants. The expert believes that the conclave could last from 4 to 5 days.
Francis was elected on the third day. But everything can change. Will the pope be chosen in the first vote? I don't think so, he continued, cited by "Fakt." - We know that during the nine cardinal consistories Francis held during his pontificate, he expanded the group of cardinals from the Global South. Now it's become the main player in the conclave - mainly Asia and Africa - he noted.
Information coming from Italian media indicates that the conclave could start on May 5 or 6.
