DAYTON, Ohio — Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Dayton next week.
Turkson will receive the doctorate during the inaugural conference of the U.S. Chapter of the Committee of Pan American Judges on Social Justice. The conference runs March 26 to March 28 at the university.
"Throughout his ministry, Cardinal Turkson has been a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized, championing the cause of human dignity. He has been a vocal proponent of Pope Francis's call for highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues. His work has focused on promoting sustainable development, addressing climate change, and fostering peace and reconciliation," said University of Dayton President Eric Spina.
Turkson was became an ordained priest in 1975 and served in Ghana before becoming archbishop of Cape Coast, Ghana in 1992. He was named cardinal in 2003 by Pope John Paul II and at the Vatican, under Pope Francis, he has worked in leadership positions advocating for justice, peace, human development and the pan-Amazon region, among others.
University of Dayton joins several U.S. Catholic colleges and universities have recognized Turkson with honorary doctorates including Villanova University; Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, Ind.; Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y.; Duquesne University in Pittsburgh; St. John's University in Queens, N.Y.; and the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind.
He also received the St. Clare Medal from Santa Clara University.
Turkson has spoken at several colleges and universities as well, the United Nations and the World Economic Forum.
