By Charles Igwe
The Catholic Church in Nigeria joyfully welcomes His Excellency, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, as the new Apostolic Nuncio. This announcement was made on the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, marking a significant moment for the Catholic community in Nigeria.
The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for appointing Archbishop Crotty. He acknowledged the strong spiritual bond between Nigeria and Ireland, noting the contributions of Irish missionaries to the spread of the Catholic faith in Nigeria. Archbishop Crotty’s appointment continues this historic connection, as he is the first Irish Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, mirroring the service of Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, the first Nigerian Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland.
Archbishop Crotty, born in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, Ireland, has an extensive background in the diplomatic service of the Holy See. Since his ordination in 1994, he has served in various capacities around the world, including Kenya, Canada, Iraq, Jordan, Spain, and most recently, Burkina Faso and Niger.
In his statement, Archbishop Crotty expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis and his commitment to serving the people of Nigeria. He highlighted the deep connections between Ireland and Nigeria, forged through the efforts of Irish missionaries, and called for prayers for a successful mission.
Archbishop Ugorji assured Archbishop Crotty of the full support and cooperation of the Nigerian Catholic community and prayed for a fruitful tenure for the new Apostolic Nuncio.
