Pope Francis urges Nigerians to imbibe religious tolerance

The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has urged Nigerians to imbibe religious tolerance irrespective of their affiliations.

The Pope, who was represented by the Apostolic Nunciature to Nigeria, Antonio Guido Fillipazzi, made the call in Nsukka on Thursday during the dedication of the newly built St. Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral, Nsukka in Enugu State.

He said no country had recorded any meaningful progress in the presence of religious intolerance.

“Nigerians should love one another irrespective of religious affiliations in order to move the country forward,” he said.

The Pontiff commended Catholics in Nsukka Catholic diocese for building a magnificent cathedral for God and urged them to always remain steadfast in their faith.

In a homily, Bishop Godfrey Onah of Nsukka Catholic Diocese urged Christians in the country to always work and pray for peace development of the country.

He noted that Christians in the country had not made the expected impact that would transform the country economically, socially, and morally.

“The number of Christians in Nigeria is enough to transform the country but the problem is that why some pray, they do not work, while others work without praying.

“As we have dedicated this cathedral today if you come and stay here everyday praying without work, you will die of hunger and if you work without praying your efforts will be in vain as you will miss heaven,” he said.