The New Papal Nuncio to Nigeria Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty arrived in Nigeria on Wednesday 23rd October 2024 to resume his Apostolic duties.

Archbishop CROTTY who hails from Ireland was appointed by Pope Francis to succeed Most Rev. Anthonio Fillipazzi  whose tenure expired was greeted by a delegation organized by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and The Pontifical Mission Societies  Missio Nigeria at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport,Abuja.
The delegation was made up of
The Cardinal, (John Cardinal Onaiyekan)
Archbishop,
Bishops,
Maronite Eparchy,
Priests,
Religious,
Knights,
Catholic Men Organization of Nigeria (CMO
Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria (CWO)
Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON)
and Holy Childhood Association (HCA).
The vice President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and metropolitan Archbishop of Kaduna,Most Rev. Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso welcomed the new  Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria on behalf of the CBCN  expressed his joy and described the Nigerian Church as  A YOUNG VIBRANT CHURCH  thanked the Holy father,Pope Francis for this gracious appointment stating that there is an existing missionary relationship between Nigeria and the Irish Church.
 He concluded by thanking the Charge dé affaire, Msgr.Carlo Maria Donati immensely for his great works by holding forth the Nunciature for a period of time and then pledged his  readiness to collaborate with the new Nuncio on behalf of the Conference.

A Papal nuncio, also known as an Apostolic nuncio, is the diplomatic representative of the Holy See (the sovereign entity that governs the Catholic Church) to a foreign government or international organization. 
The responsibilities of a Papal nuncio include:

The Nuncio  who was thrilled and amazed during his closing remarks thanked the Nigerian Church for the warm reception and pledged the assurances of the dispensation of his diplomatic duties on behalf of Pope Francis diligently.
The ceremony ended with a closing blessing by the new Nuncio,Most Rev.Michael Francis Crotty.

1. Representing the Pope and the Holy See: Acting as the official ambassador, promoting the interests of the Catholic Church.

2. Diplomatic Relations: Maintaining and strengthening ties between the Holy See and the host country or organization.

3. Negotiations: Engaging in diplomatic negotiations on issues affecting the Church and its relations with the host country.

4. Advising: Providing guidance to local Catholic bishops and clergy on matters of international concern.

5. Reporting: Keeping the Holy See informed about significant events, developments, and concerns within the host country.

6. Facilitating Communication: Serving as a channel for communication between the Holy See and the local Catholic hierarchy.

7. Supporting Catholic Communities: Promoting Catholic interests, protecting rights, and advocating for social justice.

8. Engaging in Ecumenical Dialogue: Fostering relations with other Christian denominations and faiths.

9. Ceremonial Duties: Participating in official events, such as state visits, papal visits, and significant Catholic celebrations.

10. Collaborating with Other Diplomats: Working with fellow diplomats to address global issues.

The Papal nuncio plays a vital role in:

- Protecting Catholic interests globally
- Promoting interfaith understanding
- Fostering positive relations between the Holy See and nations
- Supporting local Catholic communities.

We wish him a successful stay in Nigeria and God's grace to dispense his duties.