Pope John Paul II, has knighted Dr Kwame Donkor Fordwor, a prominent economist and chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), into the Order of Saint Gregory the Great.

Archbishop of Kumasi, the Most Reverend Peter Akwasi Sarpong conferred the title on the (GNPC) chairman on behalf of the Pope, at a pontifical mass celebrated on Sunday at the Saint Peter's Catholic Cathedral in Kumasi.

The Most Reverend Francis Lodonu, Bishop of Ho and chairman of the Department of Laity of the National Catholic Secretariat, the Most Rev Joseph Osei-Bonsu, Bishop of Konongo-Mampong, the Most Rev Thomas Mensah, Bishop of Obuasi, the Most Rev Peter Kwaku Atuahene, Bishop of Goaso and the Most Rev Joseph Essien, Bishop of Sefwi-Wiawso assisted Archbishop Sarpong.

The event coincided with the Divine Mercy Sunday, the first Sunday after Easter.

Archbishop Sarpong said Jesus Christ came to the world as a priest, a prophet who spoke in the name of God and a shepherd who cared for the flock of God.

He, therefore, admonished Christians to use the first Sunday after the resurrection to preach the good news about Christ.

Bishop Lodonu appealed to the laity to unite with their priests in giving thanks to God so that their prayers could be head.

Mr Joseph Henry Mensah, Senior Minister and Chairman of Government Economic Team read a citation and curriculum vitae of Dr Kwame Donkor Fordwor. - GNA