The papal election is drawing intense global attention due to its potential to shape the future of the world’s largest Christian denomination which has more than 1.2 billion followers.
The selection of the next pope will influence doctrinal directions and address internal conflicts. The contest pits more progressive reformists against more traditionalist voices.
The stakes are compounded by lingering debates about transparency, governance, and the balance between tradition and modernity.
Ghanaian Cardinal Turkson, 76, is a former head of the Vatican’s justice and peace office, he combines progressive political views with conservative theological stances. Turkson opposed the use of condoms during the AIDS pandemic, although he spoke out about the possible criminalization of homosexuality in his home country
