Peter Turkson: Ghanian Cardinal Gains Ground On Polymarket As He Captivates Crypto Community
Keeping with tradition, the Catholic Church is preparing for a historic Papal Conclave on 7 May 2025 following the demise of Pope Francis. A compelling contender is Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, specifically for making headlines across the crypto community. He is also emerging as a favorite on Polymarket!
The leading decentralized prediction platform says that Cardinal Turkson’s odds have surged in recent days. At one point late Tuesday, 29 April 2025, Cardinal Turkson ovetook Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle for the second spot, with his chances climbing as high as 21%
Notably, if elected Cardinal Turkson will become the first African pope in more than 1500 years!
Cardinal Peter Turkson trades at ~6/1 to become the next Pope, according to betting markets: +620 on Oddschecker (≈14%) and 12% on Polymarket. He remains the third most likely contender behind Cardinals Parolin and Tagle as the conclave nears pic.twitter.com/c223LpiVxe
— ghanaspora (@ghanaspora) April 30, 2025
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A $10.7 Million Bet On The Next Pope On Polymarket
Polymarket has added another dimension to the 2025 Papal Conclave. Crypto enthusiasts are betting big on Turkson. Many are drawn to the significance of a “Black Pope.” A Polymarket user wrote, “My moneys on a black pope being elected.”
Turkson has been awarded numerous honorary degrees and speaks six languages including Fante, English, French, Italian, German, and Hebrew.
“Bet on Peter Turkson! An African heart with a global vision, ready to bring the Vatican the rhythm of justice,” wrote a better. “If Peter Turkson doesn’t become Pope this time, then when? It’s now or never! My hope is with him because the world could use a Pope who brings social justice and a touch of African flair. Go, Peter, make the Vatican great again!”
“Turkson is undervalued being that he speaks multiple languages like Francis which was a key reason Francis was able to drum up supporters,” wrote another.
However, there are opposing views. “Turkson would be a continuation of Francis which wouldn’t be the best I doubt they will choose him,” wrote another Polymarket user.
Who will be the next pope? Here’s a chart comparing the probabilities currently implied by @oddschecker (not adjusted for vig) @ManifoldMarkets @Polymarket and @metaculus pic.twitter.com/ssG2FvIyKh
— Johnny Ten-Numbers (@JohnnyTenNums) April 29, 2025
Africa is one of the fastest-growing centers of Catholicism, and the idea of an African pope has gained traction as the Church.
He is widely regarded as a moderate and a bridge-builder. While he upholds traditional Church teachings on issues such as the male-only priesthood and marriage, he has also spoken out against anti-LGBTQ+ policies in Africa and is known for his advocacy on environmental and social justice issues.
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Key Takeaways
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Crypto bettors are drawn to a “Black Pope” and historic milestones, and Turkson fits both profiles.
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Cardinal Turkson’s appointments by Pope Francis included Chancellor roles and a position on the Pre-Synodal Council of the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region.
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