Vatican watch: African cardinal emerges as papal frontrunner
The Vatican specialist 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 the duration of the conclave.
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 commence on 5th or 6th May.
New pope from Africa?
American Vatican specialist 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 following the encyclical 'Laudato si'," emphasized Richard Raho.
Turkson was already on the list of candidates for pope during the last conclave in 2013.
Raho also considers the possibility that the new pope could be a cardinal from Asia. In this case, he pointed to Luis Tagle.
"He was the Archbishop of Manila, and he is now the prefect of the congregation for evangelisation. 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 occur 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. However, everything can change. Will the pope be chosen in the first vote? I don't think so," he continued, "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 has become the main player in the conclave - mainly Asia and Africa," he noted.
Information from Italian media indicates that the conclave could start on 5th or 6th May.
