How Many Cardinals Of The Catholic Church Are Nigerians?

By Emmanuel Gandu

WHO IS A CARDINAL ?

1. “Cardinal” is derived from the Latin term “Cardo” which means “hinge”. Just like the hinges of a door, the Cardinals are the hinges on which all church government turns, with the Pope as the door.
2. The word “Cardinal” was first used in Rome at the 6th Century to designate Deacons involved in the governance of the church.
   In the year 769, a decree from a Synod of Bishops stated that only a Cardinal could become a Pope.
3. Cardinals play a pivotal role in church administration generally, and especially during times of transition between Popes, including the election of a new Pope from among them.
4. A Cardinal is the second highest position next only to the Pope in the Catholic Church hierarchy.
5. A Cardinal is created (appointed) by the Pope from among the Bishops, Archbishops, or as may be decided by the Pope.

CARDINALS FROM NIGERIA : 1976 – 2025
Nigeria has produced 5 Cardinals. They are :
(1) Dominic Cardinal Ekandem – Born 23/6/1917 from Akwa Ibom. Was appointed in 1976
(2) Francis Cardinal Arinze – Born 1/11/1932 from Onitsha. Was appointed in 1985
(3) Anthony Cardinal Okogie – Born 16/6/1936 from Lagos. Was appointed in 2003.
(4) John Cardinal Onaiyekan – Born 29/1/1944 from Kabba. Was appointed in 2012.
(5) Peter Cardinal Opaleke – Born 1/3/1963 from Anambra. Was appointed in 2022.

Glory to Jesus

Peace 🙏
22/4/2025