The Holy See follows Nigeria’s developments with deep interest and prayer, says Archbishop Michael Crotty during Ijebu-Ode press briefing.
Newsroom (13/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) The Holy See is closely observing the unfolding events in Nigeria with “great interest and constant prayer,” according to the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty. Addressing journalists on April 11 in the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Archbishop Crotty conveyed the Holy Father’s deep spiritual solidarity with the people of Nigeria and his hopes for peaceful coexistence among all communities throughout the nation.
“Through me, the Pope expresses his hope for the continued peace and prosperity of the Nigerian people,” Archbishop Crotty said, emphasizing the Vatican’s desire for mutual understanding and national harmony.
Church’s Role in Nation-Building
Archbishop Crotty underscored the vital role of the Catholic Church in contributing to Nigeria’s moral formation and social stability. He noted that faith-based moral education remains central to building cohesive and just societies, saying, “We believe that the moral formation provided by the Church is an essential contribution to the stability of the nation.”
The Nuncio also expressed gratitude toward Nigeria’s civil authorities and traditional rulers for fostering an environment that allows religious freedom to flourish. “To the civil authorities and traditional rulers of this region, I express the Holy Father’s gratitude for the atmosphere of harmony that allows the Christian faith and others to flourish,” he declared.
Vision from the Holy Father
Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s broader vision for the Church, Archbishop Crotty conveyed a call to “renewal in truth and charity.” He described the Pope’s vision of a Church deeply engaged with both contemporary challenges and spiritual truths: “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV desires a Church that is intellectually grounded and spiritually fervent.”
The Archbishop appealed especially to families, describing them as the foundational sanctuaries of faith. “It is in the family that the faith is nurtured and brought to fruition. Families are always the domestic Church where the Church begins,” he said, urging continued devotion at home as the anchor of spiritual life in Nigerian society.
The Local Church’s Resilience and Unity
Bishop Francis Obafemi Adesina of the Ijebu-Ode Diocese joined the press briefing, reaffirming the Diocese’s close communion with the universal Church. He highlighted the engagement between the Apostolic Nuncio and local church groups, noting, “We have had significant meetings between the Apostolic Nuncio and our various diocesan groups, including the Laity, the Religious, and the vibrant youth.”
“These interactions have energized our parishioners, reminding us that the challenges we face in our local society, in our local Church, are seen and heard in prayer by the Universal Church,” Bishop Adesina said.
He described the Church as a “steady anchor” amid Nigeria’s economic and social challenges, calling for resilience and unity: “In a time of economic and social shifts, the Church remains a steady anchor. We continue to pray for our leaders and for the safety of all citizens, trusting that the spiritual renewal experienced during this visit will bear fruit in our daily lives.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa
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