Archbishop Michael Crotty, the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador) to Nigeria.
The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has approved the appointment of Archbishop Michael Crotty as the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Archbishop of Owerri and President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji.
While warmly welcoming the new Apostolic Nuncio on behalf of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, Ugorji noted that with the appointment, Crotty would help to build on the good works of his predecessor, Archbishop Antonio Filipazzi.
According to Ugorji, Archbishop Crotty, an Irish clergy, becomes the Vatican’s first Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria from Ireland, just as Archbishop Jude Okolo, who served as the first Apostolic Nuncio from Nigeria in Ireland.
The CBCN President said that the appointment was also a testament to the strong spiritual bond between the two countries, adding that many Irish missionaries played a significant role in spreading the faith in Nigeria.
The statement reads in full:
“With joy and gratitude to God, I extend a hearty welcome to Archbishop Michael 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 appointing Archbishop Michael 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 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.”
