Pope Francis sends stern message to Catholic bishops in Nigeria

Pope Francis, on Thursday, tasked the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria to continue to preach peace in order to keep the country united and progressive.

NAN reports that the pontiff gave the task in Port Harcourt in a sermon during the episcopal consecration of Most Rev. Patrick Eluke as the first indigenous Auxiliary Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese.

He was represented by Most Rev. Antonio Fillipazzi, the Apostolic Nuncio (Pope’s representative) to Nigeria at the event held at Corpus Christi Cathedral, Port Harcourt.

The Head of the Catholic Church, who described Bishop Eluke as a gift to the diocese, urged the faithful to pray for the new bishop and the success of the church.

Gov. Wike of Rivers, represented by his Deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry, said that the state was grateful to God for the gift of the priest.

According to the governor, the consecration of the auxiliary bishop came at the right time, as he (Wike) has been an apostle of peace in the state.

The governor said the bishop’s consecration would also deepen the relationship between the State Government and the Catholic Church.

He said that the state government would partner with the new bishop as well as the faithful to curb youths restiveness and “keep them in the ways of the Lord.’’

The new bishop promised to work with other bishops with his whole heart for the growth of the Church.

He also urged the faithful to continue to pray for the clergies as well as and Nigeria.

Eluke, born on March 25, 1967 in Eligbo, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers, was ordained priest on Sept. 23, 1995.

He was appointed the first indigenous auxiliary bishop of the diocese and Titular Bishop of Fotice on Feb. 12 by Pope Francis.

The new bishop had been the Parish Priest of St. Francis of Assisi, Rumuokwuta, since 2015 and later became the Diocesan Director of Vocations in 2016.