Nigeria just got another Catholic Cardinal. And he is no other person than Most Reverend Peter Ebere Okpaleke.
Okpaleke, prior to his elevation by the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, was the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, in Anambra State.
The Catholic faithful in Nigeria, expectedly, has been rejoicing over his appointment. Congratulatory messages have also been pouring in for him. Among the notable Catholics who have done so is Mr. Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and currently a presidential hopeful on the ticket of Labour Party.
In his congratulatory message, Obi described Okpaleke’s elevation to the Cardinalate as apposite. He recalled Okpaleke’s past as an impactful teacher, devoted priest, administrator, and Bishop, noting that he had always been guided by hard work, godliness and the passion for the good. “He exemplifies the summit of Christian living,”
He enjoined the just elevated Cardinal to continue remembering Nigeria in his prayers.
Okpaleke’s investiture comes up on August 27, 2022 at the Vatican.
Nigeria currently has other Cardinals. And among them are Anthony Okogie, John Onaiyekan and Francis Arinze.