His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI,

Your recent announcement of the selection of Rev. Fr. Peter Okpalaeke of Awka Diocese in Anambra State as the Bishop-Elect of the Episcopal See of Ahiara Diocese, Mbaise, while overdue fell short of expectations. Not on the qualifications of Rev. Fr. Okpalaeke but on the disqualification of a vast pool of qualified priests of Mbaise origin. The criteria for qualification as a Bishop as per the Code of Cannon Law, Can. 378 §1 requires that the candidate is:

1/ outstanding in solid faith, good morals, piety, zeal for souls, wisdom, prudence, and human virtues, and endowed with other qualities which make him suitable to fulfill the office in question;

2/ of good reputation;

3/ at least thirty-Five years old;

4/ ordained to the presbyterate for at least Five years;

5/ in possession of a doctorate or at least a licentiate in sacred scripture, theology, or canon law from an institute of higher studies approved by the Apostolic See, or at least truly expert in the same disciplines.

That no priest of Mbaise origin is a Bishop today, based on these criteria is mind boggling. Mbaise has embraced, enhanced the growth of and sacrificed for the Catholic Church, has more priests per capita than any other Diocese in Nigeria and certainly more than enough pool of priests qualified to become the next Bishop of the Episcopal See of Ahiara Diocese, Mbaise.    

Against this background, therefore, we the undersigned appeal to your Holiness to reconsider your decision and for fairness and balance appoint an Mbaise Priest as Bishop of the Episcopal See of Ahiara Diocese, Mbaise.    

Sincerely,

Coalition of Igbo Catholics (CIC)