Arts and Life
Most Reverend Michael Crotty is new Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria—Pope Francis
The Holy Father, Pope Francis has announced His Excellency, the Most Reverend Michael F. Crotty, as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria.
The information is contained in a communiqué issued by the Apostolic Nunciature to Nigeria.
Archbishop Crotty, born in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, Ireland, and ordained a priest in 1994, has a distinguished career in the diplomatic service of the Holy See.
He has served in various capacities across Kenya, Canada, Iraq, Jordan, the Vatican, and Spain.
Recently, he held the positions of Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso and Niger.
Archbishop Crotty brings a wealth of experience and multilingual proficiency to his new role in Nigeria.
Welcoming the new Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), in a statement signed by its President and Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, expresses gratitude to Pope Francis for the appointment.
Archbishop Ugorji highlights the historic connection between Nigeria and Ireland, noting that Archbishop Crotty is the first Apostolic Nuncio from Ireland to Nigeria, mirroring Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo’s tenure as the first Nigerian Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland.
The CBCN assures Archbishop Crotty of their full support and cooperation, praying for a fruitful and blessed mission.
Reacting to his new appointment, Archbishop Crotty, expressed great joy and gratitude to Pope Francis for the honor.
In his statement, the Nuncio pledges to serve all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds, to the best of his abilities.
He acknowledges the deep bonds of faith and friendship between Ireland and Nigeria, established by generations of Irish missionaries.
Noting the historic significance of his appointment, which coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Archbishop Crotty invited Nigerian Catholics to pray for Pope Francis through the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Patrick.