10 years after addressing Pope Benedict XVI, Nigerian man becomes priest

Almost ten years after meeting Pope Benedict XVI, a Nigerian man identified as Paschal Uche has been ordained to the priesthood.

Uche, who met Pope Benedict XVI on behalf of the young people of England, Wales and Scotland, on September 18, 2010, was ordained to the priesthood on August 1, 2020, CNA reports.

Uche had said: “Pope John Paul II said that our faith is a noble and authentic adventure. And we really desire for other young people to experience this. It is our prayer that your visit inspires us to be saints, saints of the third millennium.”

The young man was led over to the Pope Benedict XVI, who patted him on the shoulder and then clasped his hand as they exchanged a few private words.

Uche was ordained by Bishop Alan Williams at Brentwood Cathedral in Essex. The Mass featured a cantor and drummers from the Blessed Cyprian Tansi Choir, reflecting Uche’s Nigerian heritage.

The Pope Emeritus sent a letter congratulating Uche on his ordination and promised to pray for him.