Pope Francis has named Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, a move warmly received by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). The CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, expressed gratitude for the appointment, highlighting the deep spiritual ties between Nigeria and Ireland, established through the efforts of Irish missionaries in Nigeria.
Archbishop Ugorji remarked, “We are thankful to His Holiness, Pope Francis, for appointing Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty as the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria. This appointment is a testament to the strong spiritual bond between our countries, recalling that many Irish missionaries played a significant role in spreading the faith in Nigeria. Archbishop Crotty’s appointment also celebrates the historic connection between our nations as he becomes our first Apostolic Nuncio from Ireland. We appreciate Archbishop Crotty’s acceptance of serving in Nigeria and assure him of our full support and cooperation. In this new role, we pray for a fruitful mission and a blessed tenure for Your Excellency.”
Archbishop Crotty, with a rich background of service in countries such as Kenya, Canada, Iraq, and Burkina Faso, brings significant experience to his new role. As Apostolic Nuncio, he will represent the Holy See in Nigeria and work to strengthen relations between the Catholic Church and the Nigerian government.
Archbishop Crotty expressed his gratitude and commitment, stating, “My appointment as Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria is a cause of great joy for me and of profound gratitude to His Holiness Pope Francis for the honour that he has bestowed upon me. I pledge my utmost to serve to the best of my abilities as the Holy Father’s representative to all Nigerians, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. In this role, I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Irish missionaries: bishops, priests, religious sisters and lay missionaries. I am also deeply aware of the historic significance of my appointment, as I become the first Irishman to serve as Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria. And so, I invite all Nigerian Catholics to join me in prayer for the Holy Father Pope Francis, that he may continue to guide and bless our efforts.”
The CBCN assured Archbishop Crotty of their full support and cooperation as he begins his mission in Nigeria.
