Only Okpaleke Can Vote for New Pope – Pope Francis
The Catholic Broadcast Commission of Nigeria has disclosed that only one cardinal from Nigeria is qualifying for the election of a new Pope.
Events local to the place. In the statement uploaded on the Facebook page of the CBCN, he is popularly known as Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke, who is 62 years old and the Bishop of Ekwulobia and is said to be the only Nigerian Catholic cardinal out of four currently eligible to participate (vote) in a papal conclave.
They further indicated that the other three are ineligible on account of their ages.
The emphasis were on:
“His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke (62) is the only Nigerian Catholic cardinal out of four cardinals currently eligible to participate( vote) in a papal conclave, being under 80 years of age—both to vote for a new pope and to be voted for as Pope.
“Other Nigerian cardinals who cannot vote:
Francis Cardinal Arinze – 92
Anthony; Cardinal Okogie – 88
Cardinal John Onaiyekan – 81
“Why can’t cardinals over the age of 80 vote in a conclave? The Church excuses them from voting out of concern for the Cardinals themselves.
Electing the Supreme Pontiff can be a great burden of responsibility, and especially so when advanced in age. He would therefore encourage their prayer in support of the electors of the people of God through whom they are called to lead during the election.
“The reason for this provision is the desire not to add to the weight of such venerable age the further burden of responsibility for choosing the one who will have to lead Christ’s flock in ways adapted to the needs of the times
This, however, does not mean that the over-eighty cardinals cannot participate in the preparatory meetings of the Conclave, in accordance with the norms outlined hereinafter.
Specifically, during the vacancy of the Apostolic See, during the election for the Supreme Pontiff, they should lead the assembly of the People of God in the Patriarchal Basilicas in the city of Rome and in other churches in dioceses throughout the world, supporting the works of the electors with fervent prayers and supplications to the Holy Spirit, beseeching Him for enlightenment to make their decision before God, and with concern for nothing but the ‘salvation of souls, which in the Church is always the Supreme Law’.”
Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14, at which time he suffered from a respiratory crisis which evolved into double pneumonia posited.
He remained in the hospital for 38 days, during which period he had the longest stay of the past 12 years of his papacy.
However, he resurfaced in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, a day prior to his demise, to bless thousands.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
READ THE LATEST OTHER NEWS NEWS
