"A man who belongs in prison": Vatican expert sharply criticizes Papal candidate

The Pope has barely died and names for his successor are already circulating. One of them is from Ghana: Cardinal Peter Turkson. But he is attracting criticism.

After the death of Pope Francis, the Church is following a precise procedure. The conclave to determine the successor to the Holy See is expected to convene in early May, according to the German Press Agency. The cardinals must begin voting in the Sistine Chapel no later than 20 days after the death. Currently, 135 cardinals from around the world under the age of 80 are eligible to vote.

All in all, about two dozen men are being discussed as "Papabile" – people considered fit for the papacy. Many consider the Italian Pietro Parolin the favorite. As Francis has appointed many new cardinals from distant countries who do not know each other particularly well, the election this time is likely even more open than in previous conclaves. Observers also consider it possible that – similar to the Argentinian Pope Francis – the new pontiff will also come from a region of the world that has never before provided the head of the Catholic Church.

Potential successor Cardinal Peter Turkson comes from Ghana

Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana also follows this line. The 76-year-old is particularly committed to social justice. In his previous role as head of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, he spoke on issues such as climate change, poverty and economic fairness. Turkson is also considered a confidant of Pope Francis.

If Turkson is elected, it would be a historic event, as he would be the first African pope in centuries. The last African pope served from 492 to 496 AD.

Criticism of possible Pope's Successor Cardinal Peter Turkson – He Spoke Out Against Homosexuality

However. the African cardinal's position as favorite is not entirely without criticism. As ZDF reports, Turkson is considered strongly conservative and has made derogatory comments about homosexuality in the past. In a recent interview with the BBC, however, he said that LGBTQIA people should not be criminalized "because they have not committed a crime." He nevertheless described same-sex relationships as a "sin" – even though he wanted to increase information on the subject.

In a 2014 address to the Slovak Bishops' Conference, he emphasized: "Linked to this is the proposal to somehow redefine marriage, even though marriage is, by nature, a marriage between a man and a woman who love each other and enlarge the human family, as confirmed by international law. Such positions distort reality because they attempt to rewrite human nature, which de natura cannot be rewritten."

Vatican expert Andreas Englisch therefore made a very drastic statement on t-online.de regarding a possible election of Turkson: "It would be an absolute disaster. I can't imagine such a stupid decision could be made. Turkson has repeatedly claimed in interviews that there are no homosexual people in Africa – and therefore no child abuse either. That is utter nonsense. Turkson is a clearly homophobic man who belongs in prison."

When it comes to homosexuality, Turkson would probably take a completely different course to Pope Francis. He blessed queer couples, spoke to queer people on the phone and wrote them personal letters. Even if he was unable to achieve any tangible change in this area, he was in favor of reform. Hendrik Johanneman from the Catholic LGBT+ Committee told the KNA: "Especially in view of his predecessors, Pope Francis can probably be described as the best pope that queer believers have ever had". However, Francis has also caused a stir with homophobic statements.

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