Pope John Paul II visit to Nigeria 1998

"It is important at this moment in Nigeria's history. A moment that requires concerted and honest efforts to foster harmony and national unity, To guarantee respect for you and I and to human rights and to promote justice and development." Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) marked his arrival in Nigeria by calling for respect for human rights and the promotion of justice. The Pope's first visit to Nigeria was in Febuary 1982. Despite the Nigerian government treating this second visit like a state visit - with all the pomp and ceremony. It was a purely pastoral one. He wanted to lift the spirit of Nigerians after years of military rule, tension and crime. He was also there to beatify a Nigerian monk, Father Cyprian Michael Tansi ( 1903-1964 ) the first West African monk to receive such an honour. In this video: The Pope visits State House and is greeted by General Abacha (1943-1998) his family,Chief of Staff and well wishers