(KCEN) -- After the sudden resignation of Pope Benedict, speculation swirls over who the Cardinals could choose next.
One of the leading contenders is Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana.
The possibility of an African pope has excited Roman Catholics across the continent.
In Ghana, the Archbishop of the Cape Coast, Matthias Kobena Nketsiah, trained with Cardinal Turkson.
During an interview, the Archbishop said he would love to see the Cardinal elected Pope, but he is worried the church is not ready for such a move.
Nketsiah said, "You know I think if the church chooses a third world person, let's put it that way or a black pope, it will have to come to terms with itself. I am not saying the church is racist but there are overtones and perceptions that maybe add up to that."
The Pope announced he was stepping down as Pontiff on February 28, citing health concerns.
