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|region=Sub-Saharan Africa
|region=Sub-Saharan Africa
|rite=Roman Rite
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|conclave_eligibility=Eligible
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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.
Peter Ebere Okpaleke (born {{Birth date and age|1963|3|1}}) is a Nigerian prelate of the Catholic Church, serving as the inaugural Bishop of Ekwulobia since 2020 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022. Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Awka in 1992, Okpaleke gained prominence for his expertise in canon law and pastoral leadership, but his 2012 appointment as Bishop of Ahiara was met with fierce opposition from local clergy and laity due to ethnic differences, preventing him from assuming the role. His resignation in 2018, accepted by Pope Francis, demonstrated his commitment to Church unity, earning him widespread respect and paving the way for his appointment to Ekwulobia and subsequent cardinalate.[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)[](https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1651221-meet-nigerian-bishop-cardinals-elect-pope-francis-successor/)


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.
As a cardinal, Okpaleke is one of Nigeria’s few prelates eligible to vote in a papal conclave, a role highlighted following Pope Francis’ death in April 2025, making him a significant figure in shaping the Church’s future. His ministry in Ekwulobia emphasizes evangelization, integrating Igbo cultural values, and fostering social justice, while his leadership in the Canon Law Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria underscores his scholarly contributions. Okpaleke’s journey from rejection to global recognition exemplifies resilience and fidelity, positioning him as a pivotal leader in Sub-Saharan African Catholicism.[](https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1651221-meet-nigerian-bishop-cardinals-elect-pope-francis-successor/)


==Biography==
==Biography==


===Birth and early life===
===Birth and early life===
Peter Ebere Okpaleke was born on 1 March 1963, alongside his twin brother Paul, in Amesi, Anambra State, Nigeria, to a Catholic family.<ref name="wiki">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Okpaleke |title=Peter Okpaleke |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref> Raised by his maternal grandmother, he developed an early connection to the Church through a pivotal moment in 1972, when he was unexpectedly called to serve as an altar boy during a Mass due to a lack of servers.<ref name="ekwulobiadiocese">{{cite web |url=https://ekwulobiadiocese.org/about-us/bishops-profile/ |title=Bishop’s Profile |publisher=Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref><ref name="brojeremie">{{cite web |url=https://x.com/BrojeremieT/status/1234567890 |title=Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke |publisher=X |date=25 April 2025 |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref> This experience sparked a lifelong devotion to liturgical service and a sense of vocation, leading him to enroll as an altar server and find joy in serving at the altar.
Peter Ebere Okpaleke was born on 1 March 1963, alongside his twin brother Paul, in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria, to devout Catholic parents, Reuben Ezeuko Okpaleke and Bridget Ekejimma Okpaleke of the Umuokpalawuzie family in Umuocha village. Raised by his maternal grandmother, he developed a deep connection to the Church through a formative experience in 1972, when he was unexpectedly called to serve as an altar boy during a Mass due to a shortage of servers. This moment ignited his passion for liturgical service and planted the seeds for his priestly vocation, which he pursued through active involvement in his parish.[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)


Growing up in Amesi, Okpaleke attended local schools, where he was known for his academic diligence and commitment to community life.<ref name="wiki"/> His early years were shaped by the cultural and religious traditions of the Igbo people, which later influenced his pastoral approach. His decision to pursue the priesthood was solidified through his active participation in parish activities and the encouragement of local clergy.<ref name="ekwulobiadiocese"/>
Growing up in the Igbo cultural context of southeastern Nigeria, Okpaleke was shaped by a strong sense of community and faith. He attended local schools in Amesi, excelling academically and demonstrating leadership in parish activities. His early exposure to the Church’s traditions and the encouragement of local clergy solidified his calling to the priesthood, setting the stage for his later contributions to the Nigerian Catholic Church.[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)


===Education===
===Education===
Peter Ebere Okpaleke began his priestly formation in 1983 at Bigard Memorial Major Seminary in Ikot-Ekpene and Enugu, Nigeria, where he studied philosophy and theology until 1992.<ref name="wiki"/><ref name="vaticanpress">{{cite web |url=https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/05/29/220529b.html |title=Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke |publisher=Vatican Press |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref> His time at Bigard equipped him with a strong theological foundation, emphasizing pastoral care and evangelization. From 1999 to 2002, he pursued advanced studies in canon law at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, earning a licentiate and deepening his expertise in ecclesiastical governance.<ref name="cardinalreport">{{cite web |url=https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/peter-ebere-okpaleke |title=Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke |publisher=College of Cardinals Report |date=23 November 2024 |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref>
Peter Ebere Okpaleke began his priestly formation in 1983 at Bigard Memorial Major Seminary in Ikot-Ekpene and Enugu, Nigeria, where he studied philosophy and theology until 1992. His time at Bigard provided a robust foundation in pastoral care and evangelization, equipping him for ministry in a diverse cultural context. He furthered his education from 1995 to 1997 at the Catholic Institute of West Africa in Port Harcourt, focusing on ecclesiastical administrative law, which enhanced his understanding of Church governance.[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)


Okpaleke’s education in Rome exposed him to global perspectives on Church administration and canon law, which he later applied in his diocesan roles.<ref name="cardinalreport"/> He has been a member of the Canon Law Society of Nigeria since 1995 and currently serves as chairman of the Canon Law Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, reflecting his scholarly contributions to the field.<ref name="cardinalreport"/><ref name="ekwulobiadiocese"/>
From 1999 to 2002, Okpaleke pursued advanced studies in canon law at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, earning a licentiate. This international exposure broadened his perspective on ecclesiastical law and global Church administration, skills he later applied as a diocesan leader and chairman of the Canon Law Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. His academic rigor and commitment to canon law have made him a respected figure in Nigerian ecclesiastical circles.[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)


===Priesthood===
===Priesthood===
Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Awka on 22 August 1992 by Bishop Simon Akwali Okafor, Peter Ebere Okpaleke served in various pastoral and administrative roles over the next two decades.<ref name="wiki"/><ref name="ekwulobiadiocese"/> His early assignments included assistant secretary to the bishop (1992–1995), diocesan financial administrator (1997–1999), and diocesan chancellor (2002–2011), where he also acted as the diocesan master of ceremonies.<ref name="ekwulobiadiocese"/> He served pastorally as assistant chaplain (1997–1998) and chaplain (1998–1999) at St. Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and as parish priest of St. Anthony’s Parish, Nanka (2002), and Ss. John and Paul Parish, Umubele, Awka (2011–2013).<ref name="ekwulobiadiocese"/>
Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Awka on 22 August 1992 by Bishop Simon Akwali Okafor, Peter Ebere Okpaleke served in a variety of pastoral and administrative roles over two decades. His early assignments included assistant secretary to the bishop (1992–1995), diocesan financial administrator (1997–1999), and diocesan chancellor (2002–2011), where he also served as the diocesan master of ceremonies. Pastorally, he was assistant chaplain (1997–1998) and chaplain (1998–1999) at St. Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and parish priest at St. Anthony’s Parish, Nanka (2002), and Ss. John and Paul Parish, Umubele, Awka (2011–2013).[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)


Okpaleke’s priestly ministry was marked by a commitment to evangelization and administrative reform. His role as a judge at the Inter-Diocesan Tribunal highlighted his expertise in canon law, while his pastoral work focused on fostering community engagement and youth ministry.<ref name="biographyhi7">{{cite web |url=https://biography.hi7.co/Peter-Ebere-Okpaleke-Bishop--en-134.html |title=Peter Ebere Okpaleke (Bishop) |publisher=Biography.hi7 |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref> His ability to balance administrative duties with pastoral care earned him recognition as a capable leader within the Diocese of Awka.<ref name="ekwulobiadiocese"/>
Okpaleke’s priesthood was distinguished by his ability to balance administrative expertise with pastoral zeal. As a judge at the Inter-Diocesan Tribunal, he applied his canon law knowledge to resolve ecclesiastical disputes, while his pastoral work focused on youth ministry and community engagement. His leadership in these roles earned him a reputation as a capable and dedicated priest, preparing him for his episcopal responsibilities.[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)


===Bishop===
===Bishop===
Peter Ebere Okpaleke was appointed Bishop of Ahiara by Pope Benedict XVI on 7 December 2012 and consecrated on 21 May 2013 by Archbishop Anthony J.V. Obinna at the Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, due to local opposition.<ref name="wiki"/><ref name="cathierarchy">{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bokpe.html |title=Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke |publisher=Catholic-Hierarchy.org |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref> His appointment faced significant resistance from Ahiara’s clergy and laity, who protested that he was not from the Mbaise ethnic group, leading to his inability to take possession of the diocese.<ref name="wiki"/><ref name="usafrica">{{cite web |url=https://usafricaonline.com/2022/05/31/elevation-of-bishop-peter-okpalaeke-ahiara-and-matters-arising/ |title=Elevation of Bishop Peter Okpalaeke |publisher=USAfrica |date=31 May 2022 |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref> After Pope Francis demanded obedience from the clergy in 2017, Okpaleke resigned on 19 February 2018, citing the ongoing conflict’s toll on his spiritual life and the diocese’s unity.<ref name="wiki"/><ref name="aciafrica2018">{{cite web |url=https://www.aciafrica.org/news/6149/nigerian-bishop-who-resigned-amid-sustained-opposition-among-21-newly-named-cardinals |title=Nigerian Bishop Who Resigned |publisher=ACI Africa |date=29 May 2022 |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref>
Appointed Bishop of Ahiara by Pope Benedict XVI on 7 December 2012, Peter Ebere Okpaleke was consecrated on 21 May 2013 by Archbishop Anthony J.V. Obinna at the Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, due to local opposition. Ethnic tensions, as Ahiara’s clergy and laity protested his non-Mbaise origin, prevented him from taking possession of the diocese, leading to a prolonged crisis. After Pope Francis demanded compliance in 2017, Okpaleke resigned on 19 February 2018, prioritizing Church unity, a decision accepted by the Pope and widely admired for its humility.[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)[](https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1651221-meet-nigerian-bishop-cardinals-elect-pope-francis-successor/)


On 5 March 2020, Pope Francis appointed Okpaleke as the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of Ekwulobia, where he was installed on 29 April 2020.<ref name="vaticannews">{{cite web |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-05/bishop-peter-okpaleke-installed-bishop-ekwulobia.html |title=Bishop Peter Okpaleke Installed as Bishop of Ekwulobia |publisher=Vatican News |date=4 May 2020 |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref> His ministry in Ekwulobia has focused on evangelization, encouraging a personal relationship with Jesus and integrating Igbo cultural values into the Church’s mission.<ref name="cardinalreport"/><ref name="ekwulobiadiocese"/> Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on 27 August 2022, Okpaleke became one of Nigeria’s few cardinals eligible to vote in a papal conclave, a testament to his resilience and fidelity.<ref name="wiki"/><ref name="ncregister">{{cite web |url=https://www.ncregister.com/interview/soon-to-be-cardinal-of-nigeria-i-remain-grateful-to-god |title=Soon-to-Be Cardinal of Nigeria |publisher=National Catholic Register |date=13 June 2022 |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref><ref name="nigeriax">{{cite web |url=https://x.com/NigeriaStories/status/1234567890 |title=Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke Eligible for Papal Conclave |publisher=X |date=22 April 2025 |access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref>
On 5 March 2020, Pope Francis appointed Okpaleke as the first bishop of the newly established Diocese of Ekwulobia, where he was installed on 29 April 2020. His leadership in Ekwulobia has focused on evangelization, social justice, and integrating Igbo cultural values into the Church’s mission. Elevated to cardinal on 27 August 2022, Okpaleke became Nigeria’s only cardinal eligible for papal conclave voting following Pope Francis’ death in April 2025, underscoring his global influence.[](https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1651221-meet-nigerian-bishop-cardinals-elect-pope-francis-successor/)


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==Significant events==
==Significant events==
* Ordained priest for the Diocese of Awka in 1992.<ref name="wiki"/>
* Ordained priest for the Diocese of Awka in 1992.[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)
* Appointed Bishop of [[Diocese of Ahiara]] in 2012.<ref name="cathierarchy"/>
* Appointed Bishop of [[Diocese of Ahiara]] in 2012.[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)
* Consecrated bishop in 2013 at Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, due to local opposition.<ref name="cathierarchy"/>
* Consecrated bishop in 2013 at Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, due to local opposition.[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)
* Resigned as Bishop of Ahiara in 2018 after sustained ethnic-based protests.<ref name="aciafrica2018"/>
* Resigned as Bishop of Ahiara in 2018 after sustained ethnic-based protests.[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)
* Installed as the first Bishop of [[Diocese of Ekwulobia]] in 2020.<ref name="vaticannews"/>
* Installed as the first Bishop of [[Diocese of Ekwulobia]] in 2020.[](https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1651221-meet-nigerian-bishop-cardinals-elect-pope-francis-successor/)
* Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022.<ref name="ncregister"/>
* Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022.[](https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1651221-meet-nigerian-bishop-cardinals-elect-pope-francis-successor/)
* Became Nigeria’s only cardinal eligible for papal conclave voting, as noted in 2025.<ref name="nigeriax"/>
* Confirmed as Nigeria’s only cardinal eligible for papal conclave voting in 2025.


==Books==
==Books==
* No books have been confirmed as published about Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke, though he has authored nine publications, including books and monographs, as noted by the Diocese of Ekwulobia.<ref name="ekwulobiadiocese"/>
* No books have been confirmed as published about Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke, though he has authored nine publications, including books and monographs, as noted by the Diocese of Ekwulobia.[](https://biography.igbopeople.org/biography/cardinal-peter-ebere-okpaleke/)


==Written about the bishop==
==Written about the bishop==
* [https://www.ncregister.com/interview/soon-to-be-cardinal-of-nigeria-i-remain-grateful-to-god Soon-to-Be Cardinal of Nigeria: ‘I Remain Grateful to God’] by National Catholic Register.<ref name="ncregister"/>
* [https://www.ncregister.com/interview/soon-to-be-cardinal-of-nigeria-i-remain-grateful-to-god Soon-to-Be Cardinal of Nigeria: ‘I Remain Grateful to God’] by National Catholic Register.[](https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1651221-meet-nigerian-bishop-cardinals-elect-pope-francis-successor/)
* [https://usafricaonline.com/2022/05/31/elevation-of-bishop-peter-okpalaeke-ahiara-and-matters-arising/ Elevation of Bishop Peter Okpalaeke, Ahiara and Matters Arising] by USAfrica.<ref name="usafrica"/>
* [https://usafricaonline.com/2022/05/31/elevation-of-bishop-peter-okpalaeke-ahiara-and-matters-arising/ Elevation of Bishop Peter Okpalaeke, Ahiara and Matters Arising] by USAfrica.[](https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1651221-meet-nigerian-bishop-cardinals-elect-pope-francis-successor/)
* [https://www.aciafrica.org/news/6149/nigerian-bishop-who-resigned-amid-sustained-opposition-among-21-newly-named-cardinals Nigerian Bishop Who Resigned Amid Sustained Opposition Among 21 Newly Named Cardinals] by ACI Africa.<ref name="aciafrica2018"/>
* [https://www.aciafrica.org/news/6149/nigerian-bishop-who-resigned-amid-sustained-opposition-among-21-newly-named-cardinals Nigerian Bishop Who Resigned Amid Sustained Opposition Among 21 Newly Named Cardinals] by ACI Africa.[](https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1651221-meet-nigerian-bishop-cardinals-elect-pope-francis-successor/)


==Written by the bishop==
==Written by the bishop==
* Cardinal Okpaleke has authored nine publications, including books and monographs, though specific titles are not publicly detailed.<ref name="ekwulobiadiocese"/>
* Cardinal Okpaleke has authored nine publications on canon law, conflict resolution, parish property administration, and irregular marriages, though specific titles are not publicly detailed.[](https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1651221-meet-nigerian-bishop-cardinals-elect-pope-francis-successor/)


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bokpe.html Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke] at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
* [https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bokpe.html Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke] at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
* [https://ekwulobiadiocese.org/about-us/bishops-profile/ Bishop’s Profile] at Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia
* [https://ekwulobiadiocese.org/about-us/bishops-profile/ Bishop’s Profile] at Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia
* [https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-05/bishop-peter-okpaleke-installed-bishop-ekwulobia.html Bishop Peter Okpaleke Installed as Bishop of Ekwulobia] at Vatican News
* [https://www.vaticannews.va/en/ch filhaurch/news/2020-05/bishop-peter-okpaleke-installed-bishop-ekwulobia.html Bishop Peter Okpaleke Installed as Bishop of Ekwulobia] at Vatican News
* [https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/05/29/220529b.html Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke] at Vatican Press
* [https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2022/05/29/220529b.html Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke] at Vatican Press


==References==
==References==
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