Pope Francis has named Peter Okpaleke, Catholic bishop of Ekwulobia, Anambra state, among 21 new cardinals of the church. The pope disclosed this on Sunday after the Regina Coeli.
The college of cardinals is a body of senior priests who support the pope in overseeing the affairs of the church. They also vote during papal elections.
Pope Francis said he will hold a consistory; a meeting of the council of cardinals, with the new cardinals on August 27.
The pope is also expected to meet with the new cardinals on the same day for discussions on church matters.
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“On Saturday, 27 August, I will hold a consistory for the creation of new cardinals. Let us pray that they will help me in my mission as bishop of Rome for the good of all God’s people,” Pope Francis said.
Additionally, out of the new cardinals, eight are from Europe, six from Asia, two from Africa, one from North America, and four from Central and Latin America.
By August 27, the college of cardinals which currently consists of 208 persons will grow to 229 cardinals.
Opaleke is the fourth cardinal from Nigeria — others are John Onaiyekan, Anthony Okogie and Francis Arinze.
