ADDRESS OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
TO PILGRIMS FROM NIGERIA

Thursday, 30 June 1983

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I am happy to extend warm greetings to the pilgrims from Nigeria who, led by their Bishops, have come to Rome during this Jubilee Year of the Redemption. On the occasion of my pastoral visit to your country, you accorded me a very cordial and friendly welcome, receiving me in your midst as the Pastor of the universal Church and as a brother in Christ the Lord. This Holy Year Pilgrimage is now another sign of your loyal union with the Successor of Peter and with the Catholic Church throughout the world; and it is a symbol of your desire to deepen your faith in Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world. As you visit the tombs of Peter and Paul, and as you journey to Lourdes and to the Holy Land, I pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen you in holiness, truth and joy. And may God pour wt his abundant blessings upon you, your families and loved ones, and upon all the people of Nigeria.