Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has urged the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, to advocate for a papal visit, highlighting the country’s urgent need for prayers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abati made the call on Thursday, the 25th of February, 2026, during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television.
He referenced recent statements by the Catholic Bishops, who had appealed to President Bola Tinubu to tackle the country’s escalating insecurity and ongoing violence. Abati suggested the church should go further by seeking a visit from Pope Leo XIV.
He noted that the Pope is planning his first African tour in April, visiting Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
Abati questioned whether Nigeria could lobby for inclusion in the Pope’s itinerary, stressing the need for spiritual support as the nation approaches its next elections.
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He said: “First, you quoted the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria saying to President Tinubu, you have to do something about security, check the carnage that is going on.
“Why that is relevant, I would like to charge the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria to pay attention to the fact that Pope Leo XIV will be visiting four African countries in April. The first papal visit by Pope Leo.
“He will be going to Algeria, the birthplace of Saint Augustine of Hippo. He’ll be going to Cameroon, Angola, and also Equatorial Guinea.
“Nigeria needs prayers at this time, as we are looking at general elections in 2027. Is there something that can still be done to lobby for the Pope to come and pray for us in this place where we need prayers? You cannot have more than enough prayers.”