The Bishop of Ekwulobia-Nigeria, Peter Eberechukwu Okpaleke (59 years old), has been sworn in as a Cardinal by Pope Francis.

He was one of 20 new cardinals sworn in on Saturday by the Catholic church.

Of the new crop of cardinals, 16 will be able to participate in the conclave that will eventually choose Pope Francis’s successor. The other five are over the age of 80 making the title mostly an honorary one.

Each of the new cardinals, including Peter Cardinal Okpaleke of Nigeria approaches Pope Francis to receive their biretta, their cardinal's ring & the assignment of a "titular" church in Rome,making them part of the Roman clergy.

Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke, Bishop of Ekwulobia (Nigeria), is created Cardinal-Priest of Ss. Martiri dell'Uganda a Poggio Ameno.

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 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.- PO

fergie001:
@Peter Obi



Obi at the Basilica in Rome (Pictures)
With Ifeanyi Ubah
Well-wishers from Nigeria
With Archbishop-Emeritus, Cardinal John
Onaiyekan

Emperormartin:

Peter Obi is strategically ahead of his opponent in this presidential campaign. What we don’t know is whether he’ll be ahead of them in next year polls… God may Nigeria vote wisely this time around…

ASAPFERG1:
Useless Catholic religion

xpressionx:
APC will soon have their own cardinal