Abakaliki, Ebonyi State — April 2026

The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki witnessed an extraordinary gathering of the Catholic faithful, clergy, religious, government dignitaries, and well-wishers as thousands gathered for the solemn Funeral Mass of His Lordship, Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu, the late Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki.

The Eucharistic celebration commenced with a solemn entrance procession led by members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), archbishops, bishops, priests, religious, and the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria. Also present was the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Abakaliki, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo.

The Funeral Mass was presided over by the President of the CBCN and Archbishop of Kaduna, His Grace, Most Rev. Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso.

The gathering included two Cardinals, eight Archbishops, forty-two Bishops, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Francis Michael Crotty, hundreds of priests and religious, and thousands of lay faithful from different parts of Nigeria.

Government Dignitaries Honour Late Bishop

Among the government and political dignitaries present were the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru; the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi; and Senator Pius Anyim, among others.

In his opening remarks, Bishop Ernest Obodo described the gathering as a sacred moment of mourning, thanksgiving, and prayer.

He explained that the Church had gathered to celebrate the sacred mysteries which Bishop Peter faithfully celebrated throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry, while entrusting his soul to the mercy of God and praying for his peaceful repose.

Funeral Liturgy

The First Reading was proclaimed by Governor Francis Nwifuru, while the Responsorial Psalm was led by Jude Nnam. The Second Reading was proclaimed in the Ezza native language, while the Gospel was taken from the Gospel according to St. John.

The homily was delivered by the Archbishop of Owerri and former President of the CBCN, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji.

Archbishop Ugorji acknowledged the presence of bishops, priests, religious, government officials, family members, and the faithful who had gathered to pay their final respects to the late bishop, who had recently been elected Assistant Secretary of the CBCN in February 2026.

Bishop Peter Remembered as a Humble and Dedicated Shepherd

Reflecting on the life and ministry of the late bishop, Archbishop Ugorji described Bishop Peter Chukwu as a humble, peaceful, and devoted shepherd who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.

He recalled that Bishop Peter died peacefully on Friday, 10 April, at the age of 60, after 31 years of priesthood and five years of episcopal ministry.

The Archbishop further noted that Bishop Peter was the fifth Igbo bishop to die while in active service, highlighting his commitment to youth empowerment, care for the poor, the welfare of priests, education, and social justice.

According to Archbishop Ugorji, the late bishop lived faithfully by his episcopal motto, “Totus Tuus,” meaning “Totally Yours.”

He urged the faithful not to grieve as people without hope but to remain steadfast in the Christian faith in the resurrection of the dead.

“As we behold the casket containing his mortal remains, our hearts are crushed because we are bidding farewell to a loving father, a listening shepherd, and a courageous voice for the voiceless.”

Archbishop Ugorji added that Bishop Peter's life was characterised by humility, faith, compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to God's people.

Church and Government Pay Tribute

Following the homily, the Prayer of the Faithful and Offertory Procession were held, after which the Eucharistic celebration continued with the Consecration, Sign of Peace, and Holy Communion.

The choir rendered emotional hymns reflecting on the brevity of human life and commending the soul of the late bishop to God's eternal mercy.

Before the final dismissal, the Chancellor of the Diocese of Abakaliki, Rev. Fr. Matthew Uzoma Opoke, delivered a brief address.

This was followed by the reading of a condolence message from the Vatican by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Francis Michael Crotty.

Pope Leo XIV Expresses Solidarity

Speaking on behalf of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Crotty conveyed the solidarity of the Universal Church with the Diocese of Abakaliki during its period of mourning.

He also delivered messages from the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Cardinal Parolin stated that Pope Leo XIV joined the local Church in giving thanks to God for Bishop Peter's years of faithful episcopal service and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Archbishop Crotty also expressed his personal condolences, describing the bishop's death as shocking and painful while entrusting him to the merciful hands of God.

Governor Nwifuru: “He Lived Not for Comfort but for Conviction”

In his tribute, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru described Bishop Peter Chukwu as a courageous and disciplined leader who stood firmly for truth, justice, accountability, and the fear of God.

“He lived not for comfort but for conviction. He defended justice even when injustice appeared powerful. His life showed that leadership is service,” the governor stated.

Governor Nwifuru further observed that Bishop Peter's episcopacy brought spiritual renewal and hope to many while strengthening the relationship between the Church and government in the pursuit of unity and moral leadership in society.

The President of the CBCN, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the bishop and prayed that God would grant eternal rest to his soul and comfort to the Diocese of Abakaliki, his family, and the entire Church.

Final Commendation and Interment

The Final Commendation was performed by the Archbishop of Lagos, who prayed over the body, sprinkled it with holy water, and incensed the casket.

Thereafter, the mortal remains of Bishop Peter Chukwu were carried to the place of interment as the Litany of the Saints was solemnly chanted by the congregation.

The funeral rites concluded with the laying of the body to rest and the final dismissal, bringing to a close a solemn celebration of the life and ministry of a bishop remembered for his humility, compassion, courage, and devoted service to God and humanity.

May the soul of Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.