President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Bishop Peter Okpaleke of Ekwulobia Diocese, Anambra State over his appointment as a Cardinal in the Catholic Church by Pope Francis.

In a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, Buhari thanked Pope Francis for considering the bishop worthy of such an appointment.

Bishop Okpaleke, by the appointment, became the fifth Cardinal from Nigeria.

Others before him include Francis Arinze, Dominic Ekandem, Anthony Okogie and John Onaiyekan.

He is among the 21 new Cardinals Pope Francis announced on 29 May, 2022.

Bishop Okpaleke was one of the two nominees from the African continent.

The president congratulated the Nigerian Christian Community on the appointment, describing the Cardinal-designate as ably qualified, and that having him in that position will benefit the country.

The President also commended the commitment of the Catholic Church to unity, peace and progress of the Nigerian state.