His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze has celebrated his 60th Anniversary of Episcopal and Bishopric Consecration.
He was consecrated a Bishop by then Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Charles Heerey, on 29th August, 1965.
He is an Emeritus Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments at the Vatican City, Rome and also the Cardinal-Bishop of Vellectri-Segni.
He is the first African priest to be consecrated as Bishop at the age of 32.
The first Nigerian Bishop to celebrate 67th Anniversary as a Priest.
Cardinal Arinze is the first African to teach in a Major Seminary, the first Nigerian Cardinal to work in the Vatican, Rome. He is also one of the six Cardinal-Bishops in the entire world.
He was considered Papabile on two occasions, in 2005 and 2013, and one amongst the three principal and presiding prelates during the funeral Mass of the late Pope Francis in April, 2025 and at the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in May, 2025.
The 92-year old Prince of the Church is a renowned theologian and has written extensively on liturgy, sacraments and African culture.
He has the reputation as a diplomat and advocate for interfaith dialogue, combined with his experiences as a high-ranking official in the Vatican, which made him a notable figure in the global Church.
He has also been a key figure in the Catholic Church’s engagement with African cultures and traditions, due to his reputation for strong leadership and his deep understanding of the Catholic Church’s teachings.
His experience in various high-ranking positions, including Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, has also earned him respect within the Church.
He has been a light shining out all over the world.
Very intelligent, full of wisdom and knowledge with his memory still intact, even at old age, a true son of Eziowelle, in Idemili-North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
