Cardinal Okpaleke Expresses Solidarity with Youths In Africa

November 4, 2022235 views0

Cardinal Okpaleke Expresses Solidarity with Youths In Africa

2022-11-04T12:48:30+01:00

By Church News

Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia in Anambra state has sent a message of solidarity to the Catholic youths in Africa who are participating in the planned dialogue with Pope Francis.In the message, Cardinal Okpaleke exudes confidence that the Papal engagement with the young people will also lead to a renewal of the Church on the continent.“I wish you a fruitful conversation with the Holy Father, and look forward to the renewal of the Church in Africa through your energy, creativity and resourcefulness,” Cardinal Okpaleke said in a message circulated by the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN), which has organized the initiative.He further said, the Nigerian Cardinal expresses awe that technology has made interactions easy, noting that it is by virtual engagement that the young people from various African countries “separated by time and space”, will share insights, form networks and have a chat with Pope Francis.“On this occasion of the African Youth Digital Synodal conversation with the Holy Father Pope Francis, we thank God, who through the creativity of human beings, many of who were young people, gave humanity the virtual space where the young people, separated by time and space, come together, encounter and interact with each other with signs and sound, share insights, build bridges and networks for good.”He also expressed hope that the young people will have a fruitful conversation with the Holy Father.Cardinal Okpaleke is a Nigerian prelate of the Catholic Church who has been Bishop of Ekwulobia since 29 April 2020.He was appointed Bishop of Ahiara in 2012 and consecrated in 2013, but after the local clergy and laity insisted on having a bishop from Mbaise, he was installed as bishop of Ekwulobia and on 27 August 2022, Pope Francis made him a cardinal.ALSO READ Peter Okpaleke Set To Be Sworn In As A Catholic Cardinal