By Wesley Omondi
ABUJA, AUGUST 30, 2024 (CISA) – On July 16, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, transferring him from his current diplomatic role as nuncio to Burkina Faso and Niger.
In this new role, Archbishop Crotty will represent the Holy See in Nigeria and act as the Permanent Observer to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in an interview with Vatican News expressed optimism about the new appointment.
Echoing his earlier statement in which he said the appointment was a testament to the strong spiritual bond between Ireland and Nigeria in that many Irish missionaries played a significant role in spreading the faith in the country, Ugorji noted that “The leadership of Archbishop Crotty will fortify the connection between the Vatican and the Church in Nigeria. His appointment comes at a crucial time, and we are confident that his experience and dedication will greatly benefit our ecclesiastical and social community.”
“We also celebrate the historic connection between our nations, as Archbishop Crotty becomes our first Apostolic Nuncio from Ireland, just as Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, who served as the first Apostolic Nuncio from Nigeria in Ireland. We appreciate Archbishop Crotty’s acceptance of serving in Nigeria and assure him of our full support and cooperation,” he said in an earlier statement.
Archbishop Ugorji elucidated on this historical connection, saying “Archbishop Crotty’s presence will echo the rich history of Irish missionaries who were integral to the evangelization of our nation, being warmly embraced as Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, and lay missionaries. Their legacy of faith and dedication continues to inspire us, and we look forward to building on this strong foundation with Archbishop Crotty’s guidance.”
Since September 2023, Nigeria has been without an Apostolic Nuncio following the reassignment of Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi to Poland.
Archbishop Ugorji emphasized the Nigerian Bishops’ readiness to support the new Nuncio: “We stand united in our support for Archbishop Crotty. His role is vital, especially as we navigate these challenging times, and we are committed to working closely with him to address the pressing needs of our Church and society.”
The archbishop of Owerri also discussed the numerous political and socio-economic challenges facing the Church and praised the country’s cultural diversity as a divine gift.
“While ministering in a culturally varied context can be challenging, the diversity in Nigeria is more of an asset and blessing, showcasing the vastness of God’s creation and the uniqueness of the people made in His image. Our cultural richness offers us numerous opportunities to learn, grow, and embody the universal nature of the Catholic Church in a truly local context,” Archbishop Ugorji elaborated.
Highlighting the Church’s commitment to faith and societal transformation, Archbishop Ugorji noted, “Our pastoral programs aim to preserve the faith’s purity and encourage Catholics to transform their lives and society according to Gospel principles. It is through living out these values in our daily lives that we can effect meaningful change and contribute to the common good.”
According to reports, Nigeria is one of the countries in the world with the highest Mass attendance. The Catholic Church is noted for its rapid growth, a testament to its vibrant dioceses and religious congregations.
However, this flourishing Church is shadowed by a harsh reality: the persistent threat of attacks and kidnappings targeting the clergy. These violent acts, driven by various socio-political, religious extremism and criminal factors, pose significant challenges to the Church’s mission. Despite these adversities, the unwavering commitment of Nigerian Catholics and their clergy highlights a profound strength and determination to continue their spiritual and pastoral work.
“Our Church in Nigeria is experiencing rapid growth, with abundant vocations and highly active parishes. This growth is a testament to the deep faith and resilience of our people, as well as the tireless efforts of our clergy and religious communities,” noted Archbishop Ugorji.
