November 1, 1932 The Nigerian Catholic cardinal Francis Arinze was born on 1 November 1932 to Eziowelle, Nigeria, by a family belonging to the animist tribes Ibo. Who converted to Catholicism in just nine years, receives baptism from Father Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi (who would become the first Nigerian blessed in 1998). Initially opposed by his family, he attended the Seminary of Onitsha (where he earned a Bachelor's degree in philosophy in 1950), and then the Pontifical Urbaniana University, where he studied theology and became a doctor of sacred theology summa cum laude. Ordained in 1958 by Grégoire-Pierre Agagianian, pro-prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the propagation of the faith and future Cardinal, is reconciled with his family, which in turn is converted to Catholicism. After ordination, father Arinze stays in Rome, where he earns another doctorate in 1960: his doctoral thesis is dedicated to the sacrifices of the Ibo religion. Professor of liturgy, logic and philosophy between 1961 and 1962 at Bigard Memorial Seminary, was appointed Regional Secretary for Catholic education of eastern Nigeria. After going to London to attend the Institute of pedagogy (graduating in 1964), back in Nigeria, where on 29 August 1965 he was appointed Bishop, only thirty-two years (specifically, titular bishop of Fissiana and coadjutor of the Archbishop of Onitsha). Two years later, on 26 June 1967, he was appointed Archbishop of Onitsha (the first native African to lead his diocese, succeeding Irish missionary Charles Heerey), getting the chance to take part in the Second Vatican Council, although not in its entirety: with him is the 45-year-old Archbishop of Krakow, Karol Wojtyla. Elected President of the Catholic Bishops ' Conference of his country in 1979, five years later gets the post of President of the Pontifical Council for interreligious dialogue. The following year, Pope John Paul II named Cardinal of the title of San Giovanni della Pigna: the 25 May 1985; in 1996 the deaconry elevated pro hac vice to title will be presibeteriale. After having dealt with the apostolic journey to Nigeria made by John Paul II in 1998, Francis Arinze was appointed member of the Committee of the Great Jubilee of the year 2000, and in 2002 we see assign the Office of prefect of the Congregation for divine worship and the discipline of the sacraments. In April 2005 happens to Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) being elected Cardinal Bishop with the title of the suburbicarian Church of Velletri-Segni. On 9 December 2008, Arinze finishes the Office of prefect of the Congregation for divine worship and the discipline of the sacraments for reasons of age, giving way to Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera. On 1 November 2012 Francis Arinze turns eighty years: This means that it will be part of the next conclave, but they cannot be elected Pope.