Francis Cardinal Arinze has been described as a rare gift to humanity and a global figure of great repute.
Senator Uche Ekwunife, PhD said this in her congratulatory message to the cleric who marked his 90th yesterday, November 1, 2022.
The senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District eulogised Cardinal Arinze as a rare gift to humanity and a global figure who has continued to forge unity, peace and close cooperation among people of different faith and race.
She noted that the cerebral cardinal is one of the best and greatest exports from Nigeria to the world.
The federal lawmaker stated that Cardinal Arinze is a great prelate of influence in the priesthood who has, through pastoral care and deep prayer life, remains an exemplary role model to priests as well as members of the laity.
Ekwunife paid glowing tribute to Cardinal Arinze for his countless accomplishments and successes recorded during his years in charge as the Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province and Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, among other positions he held during his time in active service.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation on behalf of her family and the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District wished Cardinal Arinze a fabulous birthday.
Senator Ekwunife prayed God to continue to grant Cardinal Arinze strong health for continued service in the vineyard.
Francis Arinze, a Cardinal-Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church, was born on 1 November, 1932.
He was Perfect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments from 2002 to 2008. He has been the Cardinal Bishop of Velletri-Segni since 2005.
Arinze was one of the principal advisors to Pope John Paul II and was considered papabile before the 2005 papal conclave, which elected Pope Benedict XVI.
He was ordained by Gregorio Pietro Agagianian on 23November, 1958; consecrated by Charles Heerey on 29 August, 1965 and was created a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II on 25 May, 1985.
His previous posts included Coadjutor Bishop of Onitsha (1965–1967); Titular Bishop of Fissiana (1965–1967); Archbishop of Onitsha (1967–1985); and Pro-Prefect of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (1984–1985)
Others were Cardinal-Deacon of S. Giovanni della Pigna (1985–1996); President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (1985–2002); Cardinal-Priest of S. Giovanni della Pigna (1996–2005).
