- Cardinal receives Nigerian clergy and scholars at Vatican residence
His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze, Cardinal Bishop of Velletri-Segni, received a group of visiting Nigerian clergy and scholars at his Vatican residence yesterday evening. The visit, filled with theological reflection and fraternal dialogue, offered new insight into the canonization cause of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi and other timely Church matters.
The delegation included Father Ken Amadi, a priest of the Archdiocese of Abuja and a doctoral candidate at the University of Notre Dame, who is researching the development of thanksgiving rituals in the post-Vatican II Catholic liturgy. Given Cardinal Arinze’s long-standing ecclesiastical experience before and after Vatican II—as well as his tenure as Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (2002–2008)—he proved a valuable source of wisdom and perspective.
Though the Cardinal modestly downplayed his expertise on the subject, his input greatly enriched Father Ken’s research. “The wisdom he shared is the kind one cannot find in any book,” Father Ken remarked.
During the visit, the group also praised Cardinal Arinze’s recent role in Pope Francis’ funeral Mass, particularly his impeccable Latin during Eucharistic Prayer III. Smiling, the Cardinal responded, “There’s no mystery about it; I simply read what the text says.” He explained that his participation was due to his position as one of the most senior Cardinal Bishops in the College of Cardinals.
A notable moment came when Father Kris raised the question of why Blessed Tansi, Nigeria’s first beatified person, has not yet been canonized. Cardinal Arinze dispelled rumors of racial bias, stating simply, “Blessed Tansi needs one more miracle.” He elaborated: “We almost got one, but when the scientific experts analyzed it, it didn’t meet the criteria. We have to pray for one miracle. The British waited so long for Cardinal Newman before the miracles came. John Paul II and Mother Teresa of Calcutta had so many miracles.”
At the conclusion of the visit, Cardinal Arinze gifted each guest with a Rosary, copies of his pastoral writings, and a Blessed Tansi sticker. He then offered a blessing and shared a heartfelt reflection on the situation in Nigeria:
“The pain in our country, the priests can contribute a little at least to reduce the pain and give the people some minimum hope. The politicians are a sad group. But we keep on praying. We have only one Nigeria. We haven’t another one.”
This meeting served as a moment of both academic enrichment and spiritual encouragement, reminding all present of the enduring impact of faith, scholarship, and prayerful leadership in the life of the Church.
