By Ukamaka Okafor
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed His Excellency, the Most Reverend Michael Crotty, as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Apostolic Nunciature to Nigeria.
“Archbishop Crotty, born in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland, and ordained a Priest in 1994, has a distinguished career in the diplomatic service of the Holy See”, the statement noted.
It stated, “He has served in various capacities across Kenya, Canada, Iraq, Jordan, the Vatican, and Spain”.
Recently, Reverend Crotty held the positions of Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso and Niger.
Archbishop Crotty brings a wealth of experience and multilingual proficiency to his new role in Nigeria.
Welcoming the new Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, in a statement signed by its President and Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for the appointment.
Archbishop Ugorji, who highlighted the historic connection between Nigeria and Ireland, also noted that Archbishop Crotty is the first Apostolic Nuncio from Ireland to Nigeria, mirroring Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo’s tenure as the first Nigerian Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland.
The CBCN assured Archbishop Crotty of their full support and cooperation, praying for a fruitful and blessed mission.
Reacting to his new appointment, Archbishop Crotty, expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for the honor.
The Nuncio pledged to serve all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds, to the best of his abilities.
He acknowledged the deep bonds of faith and friendship between Ireland and Nigeria, established by generations of Irish missionaries.
His appointment, coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Archbishop Crotty, noting the historic significance, invited Nigerian Catholics to pray for Pope Francis through the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Patrick.
The Holy See is the universal government of the Catholic Church and operates from Vatican City State, a sovereign, independent territory.
