Pope Leo XIV welcomed the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria to the Vatican on Saturday as part of their scheduled Ad Limina Apostolorum visit. The meeting marked a significant moment in the ongoing relationship between the Holy See and the Church in Africa’s most populous nation.
Bishops Present Concerns to Pontiff
The Nigerian bishops traveled to Rome to report on the state of their dioceses and to discuss pressing matters affecting the Church in their country. During the audience, they presented Pope Leo XIV with detailed accounts of their pastoral work across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Pope Addresses Evangelization and Security
The Holy Father spoke directly to the challenges facing the Nigerian Church. He emphasized the importance of sustained evangelization efforts despite ongoing security concerns in various regions of the country.
“Your presence here today strengthens the bonds of communion between the See of Peter and the particular Churches of Nigeria,” Pope Leo XIV told the assembled bishops.
He also addressed the need for the Church to remain a voice for peace and reconciliation in a nation grappling with ethnic and religious tensions.
National Issues Dominate Discussion
The conversation between the Pope and the bishops covered several critical areas. They discussed the economic hardships facing many Nigerians, the displacement of communities due to violence, and the Church’s role in providing education and healthcare services.
Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Owerri, who serves as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, led the delegation. He spoke about the resilience of Nigerian Catholics in the face of adversity.
“Our people continue to demonstrate remarkable faith and hope, even in the most difficult circumstances,” Ugorji stated during the meeting.
Pontiff Calls for Unity and Service
Pope Leo XIV urged the bishops to maintain unity among themselves and to prioritize service to the poor and marginalized. He reminded them of their duty to speak out against injustice while promoting dialogue among different religious and ethnic groups.
“The Church in Nigeria has a vital role in building a society rooted in justice, peace, and the common good,” the Pope said.He also encouraged the bishops to support their priests and religious communities, noting the increasing demands placed upon them.
