The Catholic Broadcast Commission of Nigeria has confirmed that Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke is the only Nigerian cardinal eligible to participate in a future conclave to elect the next pope.
At 62 years old, Cardinal Okpaleke remains within the age limit of 80 required for voting cardinals in papal elections. His eligibility highlights his significant role within both the Nigerian Catholic Church and the global Catholic community.
Who Is Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke?
Born on March 1, 1963, in Amesi, Anambra State, Peter Ebere Okpaleke has had a distinguished journey in the Catholic Church. He began his seminary formation at Bigard Memorial Major Seminary in Ikot-Ekpene and Enugu, studying philosophy and theology between 1983 and 1992. He was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Awka on August 22, 1990.
Academic and Ecclesiastical Career
Over the years, Cardinal Okpaleke held various leadership roles including university chaplain, parish priest, diocesan finance administrator, chancellor, and board member. He further advanced his education in canon law at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.
Controversy in Ahiara and Resignation
In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Ahiara, a move met with resistance from local clergy and parishioners due to ethnic tensions. Despite being consecrated on May 21, 2013, Okpaleke was prevented from taking office, as protests over his non-Mbaise origin escalated. In 2017, Pope Francis intervened, demanding obedience from the clergy. However, ongoing resistance led to Okpaleke’s resignation in February 2018.
New Beginnings in Ekwulobia
In a significant turnaround, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Ekwulobia in Anambra State on March 5, 2020, where he was officially installed on April 29, 2020. The creation of this new diocese offered a fresh chapter in his ministry.
Cardinalate and Global Recognition
On August 27, 2022, Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals, assigning him the title Cardinal-Priest of Ss. Martiri dell’Uganda a Poggio Ameno, making him one of the few African cardinals and a significant voice in global Catholicism.
For the Nigerian Catholic community, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke’s journey is a testament to resilience, service, and unwavering faith. His eligibility to vote in the next papal conclave places Nigeria firmly on the map in the future direction of the Catholic Church.
