Victor EzejaNigerian contingent in Rome were present on Saturday to witness the creation of 20 new cardinals in among which was Peter Ebere Okpaleke, the Bishop of the Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese in Anambra State.
Anambra State Governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo led the delegation to the Vatican
Okpaleke, together with 20 others, received the ‘Red Hat’ from His Holiness, Pope Francis at a Consistory in Rome on Saturday.
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See video and photos and videos of the event below:
Other members of the Nigerian contingent in Rome
Meanwhile, former Anambra State governor, Mr Peter Obi has congratulated Bishop Okpaleke on his elevation to the status of Cardinal.
In a statement on his official Twitter handle on Saturday, Obi described Okpaleke as a man with deep understanding and wide perspectives on issues which has enabled him move on with the priestly vocation.
The tweet @PeterObi read: “I rejoice with His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke as he canonically receives the Red Hat from His Holiness, Pope Francis at a Consistory in Rome today, by which function, he has become a fully fledged Prince of the Universal Church.
“He has remained a blessing to not just the church in Nigeria, but the universal church. His patience, understanding and wide perspectives on issues remain some of his valuable assets that have continued to propel him higher in the priestly vocation.
The Labour Party presidential candidate who was physically present at installation ceremony on Saturday, applauded the turn out of people across the country and religious affiliation to witness the ceremony noting that it shows the spirit of love and unity.
“The massive turn out of Nigerians across regions and religions at the event added colour to the day, and reinforced the spirit of love and unity which transcends tribe and religion, and for which Nigeria is known.”
Okpaleke was in 2020 appointed as Bishop of Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese, following the resistance of Ahiara people that an indigene of the diocese must be the bishop.
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