Who is Peter Turkson? Biography, Age, Education & Net Worth

Cardinal Peter Turkson is a high-ranking prelate of the Catholic Church from Ghana, widely respected for his intellect, diplomacy, and theological insight.

He was born on October 11, 1948, in Nsuta-Wassaw, Western Region, Ghana. Over the years, Turkson has gained global recognition for his work on social justice, economic development, and environmental advocacy, and he is often mentioned as a potential future pope.

Peter Turkson Education

Peter Turkson’s educational background is both diverse and impressive. He studied at St. Teresa’s Seminary in Amisano and St. Peter’s Regional Seminary in Pedu, Cape Coast. He was later sent to the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, where he earned a licentiate in Sacred Scripture. Turkson also holds a master’s degree in theology from the Catholic University of America. His academic foundation helped shape his thought leadership within the Vatican.

Peter Turkson Age

As of 2025, Cardinal Peter Turkson is 76 years old. His age positions him as a senior member of the College of Cardinals, though still eligible to vote in a papal conclave until the age of 80.

Peter Turkson Conservative or Progressive?

Cardinal Turkson is often viewed as a moderate within the Catholic hierarchy. While he upholds traditional Church teachings on many social and moral issues, he is also deeply engaged in global discussions on climate change, poverty, and economic justice. This blend of positions makes it difficult to label him strictly conservative or progressive, although he tends to lean conservative on doctrinal matters.

Peter Turkson and the Latin Mass

Turkson has not been prominently associated with the Latin Mass movement. However, as a cardinal, he supports the Church’s liturgical unity and has generally respected papal directives, including those regarding the Traditional Latin Mass. He tends to prioritize unity and inclusivity within the global Church over rigid liturgical preferences.

Peter Turkson as a Potential Next Pope

Cardinal Peter Turkson has long been considered a possible papal candidate. Following the election of Pope Francis in 2013, Turkson’s name continued to appear on shortlists of papabili — cardinals who could potentially be elected as the next pope. As an African with deep theological training and international experience, his papacy would mark a historic moment for the Church. However, the decision ultimately lies with the College of Cardinals.

Francis Arinze and Angelo Scola

Two other notable figures often mentioned in conversations about papal succession are Cardinal Francis Arinze from Nigeria and Cardinal Angelo Scola from Italy. Arinze, like Turkson, is known for his orthodoxy and global reach, while Scola is noted for his theological depth and previous leadership in Milan, one of Italy’s most influential dioceses.

Cardinal Peter Turkson Email

Due to privacy and Vatican protocols, Cardinal Peter Turkson’s direct email address is not publicly available. Correspondence with cardinals is typically conducted through official Church channels or the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, where he previously served as Prefect.