NCPC, States Pilgrimage Leaders Receive Pope Francis Recognition
The delegation of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), leaders of States Pilgrimage Boards Leaders and managers on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 commenced a pre- visit tour to Rome and Greece preparatory for the 2023 pilgrimage exercise slated for early next year.
They were led by the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Rev Yakubu Pam to the Vatican City for a Wednesday Papal audience with Pope Francis at the St Paul’s sixth hall in Vatican City.
The Nigerian delegation joined thousands of Christians from all walks of life to observe the Wednesday Papal audience which the Commission considers as a critical and integral aspect of its pilgrimage content in Rome and Vatican.
Pope Francis in his message specially recognized the Nigerian pilgrims and prayed God to grant them the intentions of their hearts.
The Pontiff also wished the Nigerian delegation a merry Christmas celebration, stating that Christmas should be celebrated with “simplicity, love and gratitude”.
Every Nigerian Pilgrim in Rome looks forward to attending the Papal audience just like every other Pilgrim from various countries.
A statement by Celestine Toruka, head of Media and Public Relations of the NCPC, stated that the Commission always ensured that Nigerian pilgrims are given the privilege to have audience with the Pope during Pilgrimage.
