Peter Obi Pictured With Bishops As Pope Francis Ordains Okpaleke As Cardinal

Pope Francis has sworn in Peter Okpaleke, Catholic bishop of Ekwulobia, Anambra state, as a cardinal.

The swearing in took place on Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

The college of cardinals is a body of senior priests who support the pope in overseeing the affairs of the church, and they also vote during papal elections.

Okpaleke who is among the 20 new cardinals of the church is one of two African bishops and the only Nigerian sworn in.

The new cardinals are an addition to the college of cardinals which has now grown from 208 to 229.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), was in attendance at the ceremony.

While congratulating Okpaleke, Obi said he has remained a blessing to the church and the country.

Charles Soludo, Anambra governor, who was also present at the ceremony, said it is a special day for his state.

“Those of us from Anambra have come to celebrate with him and welcome him as he receives the red hat,” Soludo said.

Opaleke is the fifth cardinal from Nigeria — others are Dominic Ekandem (now late), John Onaiyekan, Anthony Okogie and Francis Arinze.