Pope leads tributes as Obi, Govs Nwifuru, Mbah other prominent personalities gather for Bishop Peter Chukwu’s burial

The remains of the late Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Peter Nworie Chukwu has been laid to rest at the St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, amidst tears and tributes.

The internment on Wednesday was preceded by a solemn funeral Mass held at same venue.

The Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV led tributes at the funeral service.

The Pope, represented by the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Grotty, expressed sadness over the Bishop’s death, and condoled with the clergy, the religious, and the laity of the Diocese, including the Bishop’s family, the government and the entire people of Ebonyi State.

He described the late Bishop Chukwu’s years of episcopal ministry as marked by pastoral outreach, the formation of the laity in the social doctrine of the Church, and the strengthening of diocesan institutions, noting that he was deeply touched by the bishop’s death, and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Delivering a homily during the funeral, the Catholic Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, described the late bishop as a shepherd who remained close to his flock and demonstrated a listening ear and compassionate heart throughout his ministry.

He further described Bishop Chukwu as an empathetic shepherd who made the joys, hopes, griefs, and anguish of his flock his personal concern.

“To his work, Bishop Chukwu brought intelligence and wisdom, the spirit of enterprise and resourcefulness, as well as gifts of gentleness and good humour. He was a tireless prophetic voice, a strong advocate for the voiceless, and an active crusader for social justice.

“He also brought courage to his ministry, fearlessly speaking truth to power in condemnation of social injustice, greed, and corruption.

“Above all, he brought faith and love, humility and commitment to his ministry. He lived true to his episcopal motto: “I’m Totally Yours”, which reflected his Marian spirituality and total dedication to God and his flock.

“That spirit of dedication remained the driving force of his entire pastoral ministry as a bishop,” Ugorji said.

President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, in his tribute described the late bishop as a true servant of God who carried out his pastoral duties with humility, courage, and unwavering faith, having served until his death as the Assistant Secretary of the conference.

He noted that the late Bishop Chukwu was widely respected within the conference for his endearing qualities of wisdom, fraternal charity and dedication which earned him election as Assistant Secretary of the CBCN.

Ndagoso added that the conference would greatly miss his gentility, patience, and timely words of encouragement.

“He never sought the spotlight, but his quiet competence, calm disposition, and deep spirituality made him a pillar among us. The conference has indeed lost a faithful collaborator,” Ndagosa mourned.

Governor Francis Nwifuru lamented that Bishop Chukwu died at a time when Ebonyi State and Nigeria urgently needed leaders of his moral stature, spiritual depth, and fearless disposition.

He said the late bishop represented hope, integrity, and moral rebirth at a time when society is battling insecurity, economic hardship, declining values, and social uncertainty.

The Governor said: “Bishop Chukwu lived not for comfort, but for conviction; he was one of those rare servants of God whose voice resonated beyond the altar and into the conscience of society.

“He stood for truth even when truth became unpopular. He defended justice even when injustice appeared powerful, and remained courageous even when fear had become fashionable.

“In an era when many leaders chose silence in the face of moral decline and social uncertainty, Bishop Chukwu chose the difficult path of truth.

“He reminded us that the Church must never surrender its prophetic voice and that leadership must always be anchored on justice, accountability, and the fear of God.”

Nwifuru emphasized that the late bishop’s episcopacy witnessed spiritual revival, expansion of evangelism, strengthening of Catholic institutions, and a deepening of moral consciousness within Ebonyi State.

“He was not merely a preacher on the pulpit, but a shepherd among his flock, a father to the vulnerable, and a moral compass to leaders,” the Governor stated.

The funeral was attended by prominent Nigerians of diverse callings. Among those in attendance were the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and 2027 National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah.

Others included former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Patricia Obila; former Governor Martin Elechi; members of the National Assembly; and several government officials from within and outside the state.

Also in attendance were 42 members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and several Catholic archbishops from across the country.

Recall that Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu died at the age of 60, on Friday, April 10, 2026, from a brief illness

Born November 5, 1965, in Ededeagu Umuezekoha in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, he attended Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, where he completed his philosophical studies between 1985 and 1989. He proceeded to Bigard Memorial Major Seminary, Enugu, for his theological studies from 1990 to 1993.

The late Bishop also studied at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, between 2000 and 2001, and subsequently obtained a Doctorate in Philosophy from Marquette University, Milwaukee, USA, between 2002 and 2007.

He was ordained a priest on July 3, 1993, consecrated and installed as the third Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki on August 19, 2021.

•Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Grotty, representative of the Pope.