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Francis Cardinal Arinze the Nigerian cleric who almost became the first Pope from Africa three years ago has tendered his retirement letter to Pope Benedict XVI.
Francis Cardinal Arinze the Nigerian cleric who almost became the first Pope from Africa three years ago has tendered his retirement letter to Pope Benedict XVI. Daily Sun learnt exclusively that the 76-year-old Cardinal, the second from Nigeria, has told Pope Benedict that he wants to retire to his home in Anambra State and operate from there for the rest of his life.
Already, the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha from where the man hails is said to be sourcing for funds to build a befitting retirement home and civil centre in his home town in Eziowelle. Daily Sun learnt that Cardinal Arinze had tendered his retirement letter since last year but the Pope was yet to give his consent.
Authorities in the Catholic Church in Nigeria and even the Papacy are declining comment on the matter because such matters are said to be the exclusive preserve of the Pope.
'Yes we are aware that he has tendered his resignation letter to the Pope,' said a reliable source. 'In fact the cardinal has already told Governor Peter Obi about his intention to return home but as you know, we cannot be free to give more information because Pope Benedict has not given his consent yet and until he does so the cardinal cannot leave the Vatican.'
Daily Sun learnt that Cardinal Arinze is sad t be tired of living at he Vatican where he has spent 23 of his 59 years in ordained ministry and has opted to return to Nigeria and live with his people.
It is, however, not clear if the current Pope would yield to the demands of the cleric who I currently Prefect of The congregation of Divine worship and Discipline of the sacraments at the Vatican. It would be recalled that Cardinal Ratzinger who is the current Pope had also tendered his retirement letter before he was eventually elected Pope,
It was gathered that if all things worked out as planned Cardinal Arinze might finally return to Nigeria next year. A big reception was already being planned for some time next ear and he Federal Government might also confer him with a national honour for his meritorious service at the highest governing body of the Catholic. Being under 80, the Cardinal is still within the voting age should any such circumstance arise.
There are indications that Anthony Cardinal Okogie may be drafted to the Vatican if the Pope allows Arinze to go.
Born on November 1, 1932 Cardinal Arinze was ordained priest on November 23 1958 in Rome where he was a lecturer in Theology at Pontifical Urban University in Rome. He was proclaimed Cardinal y Pope John Paul 11 on May 25 1985. Following the demise of the Pope on April 2, 2005, Arinze was strongly favoured to become the next Pope u Cardinal Ratzinger emerged ahead of him on April 9, 2005.