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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Pope Leo XIV, represented by the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, His Excellency Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, has called for Christian unity and strategic action to end Christian persecution in Nigeria.
He made the call during his speech and homily at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to flag off a three-day conference by the Association of Papal Knights and Medallists (AKPM) in Owerri, the Imo State capital, at the weekend.
The conference, with the theme: “Papal Knights and Strategic Engagements in Addressing Christian Persecution in Nigeria; Toward Coordinated Response,” drew Papal Knights and Medallists from across the country.
Addressing the delegates, Archbishop Crotty said the theme was apt and deserved objective discussion.
“In her history, the universal Church has witnessed persecution of Christians in different forms. In some cases, Christians were violently attacked and killed. In some other cases Christians were oppressed by Government regimes and political leaders. In some other cases, Christians suffered discrimination and denial of their rights on account of their faith. Numerous Christians died as martyrs due to these persecutions,” he said.
He noted that in Nigeria, persecution has increased within the last two decades, especially violent forms.
“In some parts of the country, especially in the north and north central regions, Christians have been prevented from having legitimate access to lands for the construction of places of worship. In some states, Christians are discriminated against in political engagements, economic opportunities and in the acquisition of certain academic certificates,” the Nuncio said.
He lamented the wave of kidnappings, killings and destruction of churches. “In recent years, Christians have been targeted by kidnappers and very many lay faithful and priests have been kidnapped. Many of those kidnapped were killed and others were released after ransoms were paid. Thousands of churches have been attacked and destroyed since the beginning of Boko Haram and the activities of herdsmen in more recent years.”
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Archbishop Crotty warned against politicising the issue, while insisting that Christians have been specifically targeted in some parts of the country, even though people of other faiths have also suffered from insecurity.
“Our concern should be the necessary actions to take in order to bring the unnecessary killing of all citizens to an end, whether they are Christian or of other faiths,” he said.
He urged the Knights to respond with love, solidarity and coordination, and to work across communities and faiths.
“As long as some parts of the Church are affected by violence and oppression, we must live in solidarity with them, not merely by providing temporary material relief and palliatives, but by acting as advocates and voices of the voiceless. We must allow love to motivate us and not any personal or political interest.”
He cautioned against partisan divisions among Christians, saying such divisions prevent them from speaking with one voice.
“This is a season of political campaigns as Nigeria prepares for general elections early next year. I urge you to focus on truth, sincerity and integrity as you strategize on ways to respond to the persecution of Christians. Put your partisan political interests aside and speak truth to power because what matters most in this case is the fact that you are Knights and medalists who are recognized by the Church as people who stand in defence of the faith and the truth of the gospel.”
The Nuncio also thanked the association for its contributions to the growth of faith and for its support towards the establishment of the Pope St. John Paul II Memorial Room at the Apostolic Nunciature, Abuja.
In his homily at the Mass for persecuted Christians, he said practising the Christian faith remains a challenge in some parts of the country, with violent attacks, destruction of places of worship and kidnapping of priests, catechists and lay faithful.
