BREAKING: The Only Nigerian Bishop who will vote for next Pope

In light of the recent passing of Pope Francis, preparations are underway for a forthcoming papal conclave to select his successor. The pope departed from this world on Easter Monday, following a heartfelt blessing to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square the day prior. Following the passing of Pope Francis, the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will be tasked with the responsibility of convening the cardinals in Rome for the conclave within a timeframe of 15 to 20 days. A gathering of 137 cardinal electors is set to take place at the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, where they will engage in the important process of voting to select the next leader of the Catholic Church.

As reported by Vanguard News, it has been confirmed that Nigeria will be represented at the upcoming conclave by one elector and three non-elector cardinals. Peter Okpaleke, the esteemed Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia in Anambra State, serves as the singular elector from Nigeria. In 2022, Pope Francis appointed Okpaleke to the esteemed position of cardinal. The other Nigerian cardinals, Francis Arinze (92), John Onaiyekan (81), and Anthony Olubunmi Okogie (88), while not eligible to vote in the election, retain the opportunity to engage in the discussions related to the selection of the new pope.

Peter Okpaleke, born on March 1, 1963, in Amesi, Anambra State, has enjoyed a notable and respected career within the church community. On April 29, 2020, he assumed the esteemed position of Bishop of Ekwulobia. Before this, he was designated as Bishop of Ahiara in 2012; however, he encountered opposition from the local clergy and laity, who expressed a preference for a bishop from Mbaise. This resulted in his appointment in Ekwulobia. On August 27, 2022, Pope Francis elevated Okpaleke to the rank of cardinal, assigning him the title of Cardinal-Priest of Ss. Martiri dell’Uganda a Poggio Ameno.

Okpaleke’s educational journey commenced in local schools, subsequently leading him to the Bigard Memorial Major Seminary in Ikot-Ekpene and Enugu, where he pursued studies in philosophy and theology from 1983 to 1992. In 1990, he received his ordination as a priest within the Diocese of Awka. During his tenure as a priest, Okpaleke undertook a range of roles, such as serving as Assistant Secretary to the Bishop from 1992 to 1995, Financial Administrator from 1997 to 1999, and Diocesan Chancellor from 2002 to 2011. He held various pastoral positions, notably as Assistant Chaplain at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and as Parish Priest of Ss. John and Paul Umubele Awka from 2011 to 2013.

Okpaleke is affiliated with the Canon Law Society of Nigeria, where he held the position of Co-ordinator for Research and Publications from 2009 to 2013. At present, he holds the position of chair for the Canon Law Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. His leadership and experience are poised to significantly contribute to the forthcoming conclave.