The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, on Saturday stormed Rome to attend the swearing-in of the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobi, Peter Okpaleke as a cardinal by Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
The college of cardinals is a body of senior priest who supports the pope in overseeing the affairs of the church and they also vote during papal elections.
Okpaleke who is amongst the 20 new cardinals of the church is one of two African bishops and the only Nigerian sworn in.
Congratulating Okpaleke, Peter Obi via his social media page celebrated the priest noting that he has remained a blessing to the church and the country.
“I rejoice with His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke as he canonically receives the Red Hat from His Holiness, Pope Francis at a Consistory in Rome today, by which function, he has become a fully-fledged Prince of the Universal Church.
“He has remained a blessing to not just the church in Nigeria, but the universal church. His patience, understanding and wide perspectives on issues remain some of the valuable assets that have continued to propel him higher in the priestly vocation.”
Soludo who was present at the ceremony said it is a special day for his state.
“Those of us from Anambra have come to celebrate with him and welcome him as he receives the red hat” Soludo said
