The Vatican has appointed Bishop Ernest Anaezichukwu Obodo as the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki following the passing of the diocesan bishop, Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu.
The appointment was announced through a decree issued by the Dicastery for Evangelization, acting under the authority of Pope Leo XIV.
Bishop Obodo, who currently serves as Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, has been entrusted with overseeing the spiritual and administrative affairs of the Abakaliki Diocese during the interim period.
The Vatican explained that the appointment followed due consideration and was made under the special authority granted by the Pope.
As Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Obodo will exercise the responsibilities and powers provided by canon law, ensuring the continued governance of the diocese until a new substantive bishop is officially appointed by the Holy See.
The announcement was communicated to members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in a message signed by Fr. Michael Banjo, Secretary-General of the conference.
In the decree, Bishop Chukwu’s passing was described as “pious,” bringing to a close his pastoral leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki.
With this appointment, Bishop Obodo is expected to maintain stability in pastoral and administrative activities within the diocese while the Vatican begins the process of selecting a new bishop.
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