Abati Urges CBCN to Lobby for Pope's Visit to Nigeria
Veteran journalist Reuben Abati has called on Nigeria's Catholic Bishops Conference (CBCN) to lobby for Pope Leo XIV's visit, citing the country's need for prayers ahead of the 2027 general elections. Abati made the appeal during a television interview, referencing the CBCN's recent criticism of President Tinubu over worsening insecurity and violence. He noted the Pope's planned April 2026 visit to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, questioning whether Nigeria could still be included. 'Nigeria needs prayers at this time,' Abati stated, emphasizing the urgency as the nation approaches critical elections. The CBCN has previously urged Tinubu to address security issues, but Abati is now urging them to escalate efforts for a papal intervention.