President Buhari lauds Pontiff's contributions to global peace

chika ebuzor

November 10, 2016 7:17 PM

Buhari, who also acknowledged the efforts of the Pope for peace, especially in Syria, described it as inspiring.

Pope Francis leads a mass for the Jubilee of Inmates at St Peter's basilica in the Vatican, on November 6, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the contributions of Pope Francis and the Holy See to global peace, describing it as “active and relentless.”

The information is in a statement by Mr Femi Adesina, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity in Abuja on Thursday.

Adesina said President Buhari made the commendation when he received outgoing Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, Apostolic Nuncio (Ambassador of the Holy See), at State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

Buhari acknowledged the efforts of the Pope for peace, especially in Syria, which he described as `inspiring and impressive.’’

He enjoined the outgoing ambassador to convey Nigeria’s gratitude to the Pope.

He said “we thank the Vatican for supporting Nigeria’s efforts. You have spent over six years here. We hope you will keep in touch.”

Archbishop Kasujja extolled what he called “the courage of Nigerians,” especially as exhibited by the unbowed heads of people in the North-east, despite the devastation visited on them by years of insurgency.

He said he had visited all parts of the country in his almost seven years’ stay.

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He added that “if you permit me, I will love to be an ambassador of Nigeria wherever I go.”

The Apostolic Nuncio said he found Nigeria fascinating, and his tour of duty quite fulfilling and rewarding.

chika ebuzor