Chigozie Marquis
The Catholic Church in Nigeria warmly welcomes the new Apostolic Nuncio:
His Excellency, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty
In his recommendation speech, Archbishop of Owerri and President CBCN, Bishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji said that “With joy and gratitude to God, I extend a hearty welcome to Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty on behalf of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), clergy, religious, and lay faithful in Nigeria. We are thankful to, His Holiness, Pope Francis, for the appointment of, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty as the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria to build on the good works of his predecessor, Archbishop Antonio Filipazzi”.
“His appointment is a testament to the strong spiritual bond between our countries, recalling that many Irish missionaries played a significant role in spreading the faith in Nigeria”.
” 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’
“We pray for a fruitful mission and a blessed tenure for Your Excellency’
Bishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji