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CONFÉRENCES ÉPISCOPALES RÉUNIESCONFERÉNCIAS EPISCOPAIS REUNIDAS

DE L’AFRIQUE DE L’OUESTDA AFRICA OCIDENTAL

REC-CER/PR/SG/062/25Abuja 25 November, 2025

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)

459, Cadastral Zone B2 Southern Parkway, Durumi 1

Abuja, Nigeria

Pastoral Letter of Solidarity

Dear Brothers in Christ,

Grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.

P.o Box 12135 Garki, Abuja, Nigeria Residential Address: House 5, Christian Chukwu Street, 1421 Rd – 1st Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja, FCT – Nigeria. Office Telephone: +234 (0) 7039660237 Office E-mail: recowasec@gmail.com Website: recowacerao.orgCentre CERAO de Pastorale et de Mission (CCPM) 28 B. P. 470, ABIJAN 28 – Cote d’Ivoire Tel.: (225) 22-42-46-95/22-52-63-80 E-mail: cerao.ccpm@gmail.com Website: recowacerao.org

With deep sorrow and fraternal concern, we, the Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops of Reunion of Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA), extend our heartfelt solidarity to the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and to all the faithful of your nation who continue to suffer the scourge of incessant attacks from terrorist groups. We, your brothers, unite ourselves with you in prayer and solidarity during these painful times. The recent attacks of places of worship and the kidnappings of school children, priests and layfaithful that seem to target especially our Christian brothers and sisters in the Northern and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria wound us deeply, for when one member of the Body of Christ suffers, all suffer together (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:26).

We commend to the mercy of God all those who have lost their lives, and we pray fervently for the safe release of those held captive, especially the school children, forcefully taken from their parents. May the Lord, who is our refuge and strength, grant consolation to grieving families, courage to the faithful, and wisdom to leaders entrusted with the care of the people.

In the face of darkness, we encourage all the faithful not to lose hope. The Risen Christ walks with His Church, even in the valley of tears. As the Psalmist assures us: « The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit » (Psalm 34: 18).

We join our voices with yours in calling on the government of Nigeria, who has the principal responsibility of protecting lives and properties of all the citizens, to show a clear commitment and political will to working for peace, justice, and the protection of every human life, be it Christian, Muslim and others. At the same time, we lift our hands in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth and to bring healing to Nigeria.

Be assured, dear brothers, of our constant remembrance of you at the altar of the Lord. May Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for Nigeria and for all West Africa, that the light of Christ may shine ever brighter amid trial.

In Christo et Ecclesia!

Most Rev. Alexis Touabli YOULO

President, Reunion of Episcopal Conferences of West Africa

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