NEWS: Ugorji’s reaction to Pope Francis’ ascension

On his elevation and appointment as the Archbishop of Owerri Diocese in Imo State and Metropolitan Ecclesiastical Province, the outgoing Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, expressed joy and profound appreciation to His Holiness, Pope Francis, and the entire Catholic faithful.

He was also grateful for the cooperation, support, and trust shown in him.

This was expressed by Archbishop Ugorji on Friday at the Mater Dei Catholic Cathedral in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.

God’s kindness and mercy, said the respected Catholic priest, who was also recently elected President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

Ugorji also mentioned that he had spent the majority of his pastoral life in Umuahia, and prayed that God would enable him to do more work in the Diocese of Owerri.

The previous Catholic Bishop of Umuahia and Apostolic Administrator of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Lucius Ugorji, was named to succeed the outgoing Catholic Bishop of Owerri, Anthony l Obinna, according to the DAILY POST.

Archbishop Antonio Filipazzi, Apostolic Nuncio (Pope’s Representative in Nigeria), made the news at the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria’s First Plenary Meeting in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Rt. Hon Ude Oko Chukwu, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, praised the virtues of the foremost and recognized Catholic priest, Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, in spreading the gospel of Christ in a statement released on Friday.

The Deputy Governor praised his promotion as a reward for his dedication to service and hard work.

He went on to say that Ugorji had shown what it meant to serve in God’s vineyard by reaching out and spreading the word.

He also stated that Ugorji will be much missed in Umuahia and the state as a whole, pleading with Almighty God to guide and empower the esteemed priest in the new assignment given on him by Pope Francis to continue to strive for humanity.