Ghana’s Cardinal Turkson among frontrunners to replace Pope Francis

Pope Francis Death: Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson Among Frontrunners to Become Next Pontiff

Cardinal Peter Turkson is a leading candidate to become the next pope. This follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Turkson was also a favorite during the 2013 conclave when Pope Francis was elected.

The Vatican announced Pope Francis's death after he suffered from lung illness. If chosen, Turkson would be the first black pope in history.

Turkson served as a peace envoy to South Sudan. He is also the former head of the Pontifical Council for Justice.

Another African cardinal mentioned is Fridolin Ambongo from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Other frontrunners include Philippine Cardinal Luis Tagle and Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo.

The College of Cardinals will elect the new pope. There are over 240 cardinals worldwide, but only those under 80 can vote in the conclave.

During this conclave, cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel to avoid outside influence. They will discuss potential successors and cast secret ballots.

Typically, there are up to 120 papal electors, but currently, there are 138 eligible voters. A two-thirds majority is needed to elect a new pope.

Voting continues until this majority is reached. The process can take weeks if cardinals are divided on candidates.

Each day, up to four rounds of voting can occur. If no decision is made after 33 rounds, a runoff vote occurs between the top two candidates.

Recent elections have been quick, lasting only days. However, some past elections took much longer; one lasted nearly three years in 1271.

Pope Francis passed away at age 88. His death was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell through a Vatican statement.

He had been suffering from chronic lung disease before his passing. An official confirmation of his death will occur in line with new guidelines.