President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed happiness with the appointment of Bishop Peter Okpaleke of Ekwulobia Diocese, Anambra State, as a Cardinal in the Catholic Church by Pope Francis.
Bishop Peter Okpaleke becomes the fifth Cardinal from Nigeria. Others before him are Dominic Ekandem, Francis Arinze, Anthony Okogie and John Onaiyekan.
He is among the 21 new Cardinals Pope Francis announced on 29 May.
President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement released on Wednesday by his senior special adverser on Media and Publicity Mr Garb Shehu, commended the Pope for finding a capable Nigerian in the person of Bishop Okpaleke to be one of the two nominees from the African continent and congratulated the Nigerian Christian Community on this choice, describing the Cardinal-designate as ably qualified, and that having him in that position will benefit the country.
According to the statement by Garba Shehu, the President also commended the commitment of the Catholic Church to unity, peace and progress of the Nigerian state.
He also highlighted the effort of the Church in combating the COVID-19 pandemic as well as its support and commitment in favour of the poor and most vulnerable members of society.
The Pope, who made the surprise announcement at the end of his appearance at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City, said the cardinals would assume the position on August 27.
The appointments came as the Argentine pontiff gradually shapes a less European college of cardinals.
The 20 other new “princes” of the church, who will be elevated at a special ceremony known as a consistory, come from countries including France, Brazil, India, Philippines, Mongolia, Paraguay, Timor Oriental and Italy.
Those under age 80 will be able to take part in the next secret conclave to elect the head of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, who is chosen from among the cardinals.