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I'm Still Waiting For Pope To Approve My Retirement, Says Catholic Cardinal Onaiyekan

If he does not reply to me quickly enough, I am going to remind him, I will send him a reminder that his cardinal in Abuja is still waiting.

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The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, says he is waiting for Pope Francis to reply to his retirement letter which was sent to the pontiff months ago.

Onaiyekan spoke during the presentation of a book: “Thy will be done: A Portrait of John Cardinal Onaiyekan”.

The book was written by Onaiyekan’s former private secretary, Emmanuel Ojeifo, as part of the celebration of the Catholic archbishop of Abuja’s 50th priestly ordination anniversary and 75th birthday celebration.

“My birthday marks the end of my position as the archbishop of Abuja archdiocese. And I made it clear to everybody at that time that I was ready for retirement and I am still ready. My letter is on the table of Pope Francis and I am waiting for his reply.

“If he does not reply to me quickly enough, I am going to remind him, I will send him a reminder that his cardinal in Abuja is still waiting. I know that he knows what to do and how to do it. I thank God for the co-adjuctor archbishop (Ignatius Kaigama) that has been assigned to this archdiocese, my successor with whom I have been working hand-in-hand.

And with him, my heart is at peace and I know that the transition from one Archbishop to another will be as smooth as it can ever be,” he said.

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Christianity