On January 29, the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Nigeria, will celebrate his 80th birthday and will no longer be able to vote in future conclaves. Cardinal John Onaiyekan participated in the conclave that elected Pope Francis in March 2013.
He has been committed to achieving peace in Africa. His work for peace in Nigeria led him to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012—the same year Pope Benedict XVI named him a cardinal. After the consistory, the new cardinal expressed his readiness to go where the Church needs him.
CARD. JOHN O. ONAIYEKAN
I'm not even afraid, you know, even though the challenges are high. You know why I'm not afraid? Because I have learned in my many years serving the Church that God will never send us anywhere if he will not accompany us with his grace.
With this birthday, the number of cardinal electors drops to 131, including 17 from Africa.
PA/JRB
TR: KG
