Buhari Congratulates Bishop Okpaleke On His Appointment As Pope's Cardinal

The President in a statement signed late Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, commended the pope for finding a Nigerian in the person of Bishop Okpaleke worthy to be amongst the two nominees from the African continent.

The statement was titled 'President Buhari welcomes appointment of Bishop Okpaleke as 4th cardinal from Nigeria.'

According to Shehu, President Buhari also "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.ÔÇØ

The statement partly read, "The President also commended the commitment of the Catholic Church to the 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 the society.ÔÇØ

Bishop Okpaleke was among the 21 new cardinals Pope Francis announced on May 29. He has become the fourth Cardinal from Nigeria. Others before him are Francis Arinze, Anthony Okogie and John Onaiyekan.