The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference says it will be a great honour for Ghana if Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson is named the next Pope of the Catholic Church. Acknowledging the fact that there are several contenders, the group is optimistic the Ghanaian Cardinal will be leader of the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI announced he would resign as leader of the Catholic Church on February 28 for health reasons - a decision that has surprised the entire Catholic fraternity including his closest aides. The 85-year-old Pontiff is the first Pope in 600 years to resign as head of the more than a billion Roman Catholics worldwide since Gregory XII in 1415. Commenting on the issue on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Monday, President of the Conference, Most Rev. Joseph Osei Bonsu, said although the Pope’s decision came as a surprise, it was a bold one. He indicated that Pope Benedict XVI should be commended for his service and leadership of the Church over the past seven years. Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu who also doubles as the Bishop of Konongo-Mampong explained that according to the Catholic tradition, the cardinals seeking a successor to Pope Benedict XVI will hold a conclave to elect a new pontiff. He noted that cardinals will meet in the Vatican's Chapel and hold two voting rounds a day until they choose a new pope with a two-thirds majority. Most Rev. Osei-Bonsu added that the choice of a successor is very important and crucial for the cardinals who will do it on behalf of Catholics across the world. About the chances of Cardinal Appiah Turkson, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference said “Ghana will be honoured if he [Appiah Turkson becomes the Pope”. He said Cardinal Turkson given his pedigree and experience in the Catholic Church is more than qualified to occupy the position. Most Rev. Osei-Bonsu declared their unflinching support to the Cardinal and urged him to pray for God’s direction.