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Peter Ebere Okpaleke (born 1 March 1963) is a Nigerian prelate of the Catholic Church, serving as the first Bishop of Ekwulobia since 2020 and elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022. Born in Amesi, Anambra State, Okpaleke was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Awka in 1992 and became known for his expertise in canon law and pastoral leadership. His appointment as Bishop of Ahiara in 2012 sparked significant controversy due to ethnic tensions, leading to his resignation in 2018 after sustained opposition from local clergy and laity. Despite this challenge, his resilience and fidelity to the Church earned him recognition, culminating in his appointment to lead the newly created Diocese of Ekwulobia and his historic elevation as one of Nigeria’s few cardinals eligible to vote in a papal conclave. | |||
Okpaleke’s ministry is characterized by a commitment to evangelization, cultural integration, and social justice, particularly in fostering a personal relationship with Jesus among the Igbo people. His academic background, including advanced studies at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, has informed his leadership in ecclesiastical governance and canon law, where he serves as chairman of the Canon Law Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. As a cardinal, Okpaleke represents Sub-Saharan Africa on the global stage, embodying a moderate theological stance that bridges tradition and contemporary pastoral needs. His journey from a contested episcopal appointment to a cardinalate reflects his dedication to the Church amidst adversity, making him a significant figure in Nigerian Catholicism. | |||
==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||