Praying at the tombs of the Apostles in Rome, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke said he laid down “the joys, pains and hopes” of the Church in Nigeria, a country with vibrant faith besieged by kidnappings and violence. Source: OSV News.
The cardinal is one of more than 70 Nigerian bishops who are meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican for their ad limina visit.
Cardinal Okpaleke, the bishop of Ekwulobia, spoke about the significant security challenges facing Nigeria, US President Donald Trump’s airstrikes in Nigeria and Pope Leo’s upcoming first apostolic journey to Africa.
Cardinal Okpaleke’s group of 37 bishops met with Pope Leo on March 6. He said the Pope spoke with the bishops “about the situation of the Church in Nigeria” and that Pope Leo “appreciated the commitment of all and encouraged all to continue walking in the footsteps of the apostles”.
A second group of 35 Nigerian bishops is scheduled to meet with the Pope tomorrow.
The bishops’ visit comes as Nigeria grapples with severe insecurity.
Cardinal Okpaleke said the situation “is affecting everybody adversely and not only the Catholic communities and schools”, and stressed that “the state alone has the resources to address the security situation”.
Reflecting on the kidnappings and ongoing violence in parts of the country, including the November abduction of about 300 students and staff from St Mary’s Catholic School, Cardinal Okpaleke said the Church in Nigeria “continues to pray for divine intervention while engaging those in power through advocacy, mobilising opinion and assisting victims.”
When asked about international military responses to the violence in Nigeria, particularly President Trump’s suggestion that the US could carry out further airstrikes in response to the killing of Christians by Islamist militants, the cardinal said, “While bombs and a show of strength may appear to be a solution, often they remain quick-fixes, if ever, they fix anything.”
“It is significant that the Holy Father continues to speak of peace, the peace of Christ, which the world cannot give. It is also clear that violence begets more violence,” he added.
FULL STORY
Cardinal warns against ‘quick fix’ airstrikes as bishops of Nigeria meet Pope Leo XIV in Rome (By Courtney Mares, OSV News)
