The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), along with clergy, religious, and lay faithful, joyfully welcomed the new Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the National Director of Social Communications, Very Reverend Father Mike Umoh, CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Ugorji expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for appointing Archbishop Crotty. He highlighted that Crotty would build on the work of his predecessor, Archbishop Antonio Filipazzi.
The statement emphasized the strong spiritual bond between Nigeria and Ireland, noting the significant roles played by Irish missionaries in spreading the faith in Nigeria. It also celebrated Archbishop Crotty’s historic appointment as the first Irish Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, paralleling Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo’s role as the first Nigerian Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland.
The CBCN assured Archbishop Crotty of their full support and cooperation, praying for a fruitful mission and a blessed tenure in Nigeria.