Pope Leo, Nwifuru, Obi pay tributes to late Bishop Chukwu in Ebonyi
By Uchenna Ugwu/ Onyekachi Ali
Abakaliki, May 13, 2026
The Most Rev Peter Chukwu, late Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese was on Wednesday laid to rest in Ebonyi amidst tributes concerning his sterling leadership qualities and sacrifical service.
In a tribute, Gov Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, described the late Bishop Chukwu as a “religious icon”.
Nwifuru said that the late bishop episcopal ministry was characterised by compassion, wisdom, and an unrelenting commitment to peace, moral uprightness and spiritual uplift of his flock.
Pope Leo XIV, who expressed sadness over the demise, extended heartfelt sympathies to the catholic diocese of Abakaliki, the bereaved family and the entire Catholics.
The Pope, represented by Archbishop Micheal Crotty, the Apostolic Papal Nuncio to Nigeria (representative of the Roman pontiff) urged the church to be consoled in the Lord.
In a sermon, His Grace, Most Rev Lucius Ugorji, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, said that Bishop Chukwu lived a peaceful and devoted life.
Ugorji said that the bishop lived a fulfilled life with with good deeds, moral character, and faith, making his lifestyle an excellent example for others.
“The life he lived is worthy of emulation,” the Archbishop stated.
In another tribute, Most Rev. Man-Oso Ndagoso, President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), described Bishop Chukwu as a “true shepherd”.
Ndagoso, also the Archbishop of Kaduna, said the late bishop embraced his pastoral duties with extraordinary blend of humility, courage and unwavering faith.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Bishop Chukwu was born on November 5, 1965, ordained a priest in July 3, 1993, became a Bishop on August 19, 2021 and died in April 10, 2026.
NAN also reports that the funeral mass was attended by bishops, priests, Gov. Peter Mba of Enugu State, former governors Martin Elechi of Ebonyi, Peter Obi of Anambra and former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim among others dignitaries.
