National Day of Prayer: Cardinal Peter Turkson Hugs Muslim Cleric, Netizens React
- Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson treated a Muslim cleric differently from his colleague bishops and other Christian leaders
- This happened after the recent papal candidate arrived at the State House for the maiden National Day of Prayer event
- The brief heartwarming moment between the Ghanaian priest and a leader of a different belief garnered many reactions
Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson courted attention after his encounter with a Muslim cleric during Ghana's National Day of Prayer event surfaced online.
Source: Instagram
Cardinal Turkson caught up with the clergy shortly after his arrival at the national event, which brought together scores of Ghana's top Islamic and Christian leaders.
The National Day of Prayer, held on July 1, was an initiative by President John Dramani Mahama to urge Ghanaians to reflect and thank God for His goodness and mercies toward the nation.
It was a special promise from the president after he won the 2024 elections and was sworn into the highest office.
The president specially tapped the Vatican cardinal to lead this year's edition, themed 'Reset, Reflect, and Renew for National Prosperity'.
In a video sighted by YEN.com.gh, the cardinal was seen with several of his Christian clergy colleagues, including Father Andrew Campbell, an Irish-Ghanaian catholic missionary and the former parish priest of Christ the King, Accra.
Cardinal Turkson embraces Muslim cleric
Cardinal Turkson extended a handshake to the guests present at the event, but changed his reception when he encountered a Muslim cleric at the event.
On seeing the Islamic holy man, the renowned Catholic priest pulled him in for a warm hug and an exchange of pleasantries.
The heartwarming moment underscored Cardinal Turkson's tolerance of other religions and impeccable profile, which put him in pole position to become the pope during the recent conclave.
Source: Getty Images
Cardinal Turkson's beliefs focus on social justice, human development, and interfaith dialogue, with a strong emphasis on the connection between faith and the environment.
He is known to be a strong advocate for the poor, world peace, and dialogue between different faiths, particularly Christianity and Islam.
Cardinal Turkson in the running for pope
A highly revered cleric, Cardinal Peter Turkson was among front front-runners to become the next pontiff following the death of Pope Francis.
The former Bishop of the Cape Coast would have become the first black pope if he had been chosen at the papal conclave.
Turkson was sent by Pope Francis as a peace envoy to South Sudan. He is also the former head of the Pontifical Council for Justice.
It will be recalled that Turkson was also considered a favourite at one point during the 2013 conclave before Pope Francis was chosen.
Reactions as Cardinal Turkson embraces Muslim cleric
YEN.com.gh gathered a few comments from Ghanaians in reaction to Cardinal Turkson's profound moments with religious leaders in public.
NESTA Nii Osa Nuhu said:
"Ghana the only country where Muslims and Christians lives eat and inter marry in peace and harmony 😍."
GENERAL ONOWU noted:
"All eyes on you our most Reverend Cardinal Turkson 🤩🌹❤️🙏. We love you ❣️."
Highest_07😎©️✝️ remarked:
"Ghana our Pope."
KwakuBlood shared:
"He shook almost everyone, including his fellow Bishops but hugged the Muslim brother. The level of religious tolerance in Ghana is simply unmatched."
Traditionalists fight for National Prayer Day inclusion
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the Africa Development Council had challenged the exclusion of Ghana’s traditional religions from the maiden National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
The council had raised some concerns, urging President John Mahama to reconsider the new holiday's focus on Islam and Christianity and thus recognise the country's traditional beliefs.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
