A Ghanaian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, he gained prominence when he was appointed president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in 2009. Before achieving this level of recognition, he pursued a Master’s degree in theology at St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary, located in Rensselaer, New York. Growing up in Western Ghana, he came from humble beginnings—his father worked as a carpenter, while his mother supported the family by selling vegetables at the local market. His early life played a significant role in shaping the values he would later carry into his ecclesiastical career.
He was widely regarded as a strong contender for the papacy following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013. Many insiders and observers even referred to him as a likely successor during the conclave. However, despite the speculation and support he garnered, it was ultimately Pope Francis who emerged as the chosen leader of the Catholic Church. He remained a respected figure within the Vatican, and his influence continued to be felt, even though he wasn’t selected. Still, his role in the aftermath of Benedict’s resignation highlighted his prominence among the College of Cardinals.