To pilgrims from Nigeria (June 30, 1984)

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ADDRESS OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
TO PILGRIMS FROM NIGERIA

Saturday, 30 June 1984

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

it is a joy for me to meet you today. Twenty-five years have passed since your Bishop was consecrated and your Diocese thus effectively established. And today you are in Rome to give thanks to God for the many blessings that he has poured out upon all of you, above all for the gift of his merciful love, through which he gave you salvation in Jesus Christ the Son of God and Redeemer of the world.

It is my prayer that during this pilgrimage of yours you will renew your faith in Christ and together with the Apostle Peter say to him: "You are the Christ the Son of the living God" (Matth. 16, 16).

And as you renew your faith, renew also your resolve to lead upright and Christian lives within the circumstances of everyday living. Yes, the profession of your faith must be seen in the authenticity of your Christian lives.

I ask you to take my blessing back with you to your families and loved ones, to your parishes, to the sick, to the whole Diocese, and to all your fellow-citizens. Tell them again that the Pope loves Nigeria. And on my part I leave with you the greeting of Saint Peter: "Peace to all of you who are in Christ" (1 Petr. 5, 14).