Pope Francis appoints the auxiliary bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, into Pontifical Council

Pope Francis has appointed the auxiliary bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Anambra State, Denis Isizoh, into the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor disclosed this in congratulatory message to Isizoh on Tuesday obtained by our correspondent.

He described Isizoh’s appointment as a cheering one, stating that his elevation would bring about a lot of positive developments and goodwill to the people of God, especially to the Nigerian Catholics.

He said, “Bishop Isizoh’s appointment is a square peg in a square hole. He is more than qualified and grounded in that area. It is a familiar terrain for him. He worked closely with Cardinal Arinze. He knows his onions. I am happy with his latest appointment. It is a move in the right direction. I know he’ll succeed.

‘I want to thank Pope Francis for the appointment. The Supreme Pontiff took a very wise decision. We all will benefit from Bishop Isizoh’s elevation. We are here to support him. We owe him our prayers”.

The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue is a special department of the Roman Curia for relations with the people of other religions.

It was established by Pope Paul VI on the Pentecost Sunday, 19 May 1964, during the Second Vatican Council, as the Secretariat for Non-Christians. It was renamed the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue by St. Pope John Paul II on 28 June 1988.