Vatican City, 22 March 2014: Pope Francis received in Audience on Saturday, in the
Vatican Apostolic Palace, Ebele Jonathan Goodluck, President of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria. According to a Vatican communique, the President then met with Cardinal
Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for
Relations with States.
In the course of the talks, emphasis was laid on the
cordial relations existing between the Holy See and Nigeria, and appreciation was
expressed for the positive contribution offered by the Church to the welfare of the
entire country, especially in the areas of education and health care, as well as in
promoting dialogue between the various components of society. Particular attention
was given in the meeting to the protection of the dignity of the human person and
his or her fundamental rights, beginning with religious freedom. In this context the
joint condemnation of every form of violence was renewed and hope was expressed for
a rapid return to peaceful coexistence in the whole Country.
Finally, an exchange
of views took place regarding several issues of regional interest, with particular
reference to the situations of crisis and conflict in central and sub-Saharan Africa. Source:
VR Sedoc