Muslim leader to greet Pope
NZPA-Reuter Lagos When Pope John Paul arrives in Nigeria today he will be met by its Muslim President (Mr Alhaji Shehu Shagari), reflecting the easy relationship between the two main religions in the West African country. The road from Lagos airport to the city is decked with flags and bunting, portraits of the Pope attached to bridges and banners proclaiming: “Pope John Paul — we love,you.” For days street vendors have been selling posters, lapel buttons, and flags to mark the visit. Hundreds of thousands of
Nigerians — Christians. Muslims and Animists — will throng the streets to see the Pope. In an estimated population of 80 million, 35 per cent are Christian, according to Father Joseph Akinjo, in the Nigerian Catholic Secretariat in Lagos. Some 40 per cent are Muslims and 25 per cent are Animists, with traditional local beliefs. The organisation of the visit has been divided between the Government and the Catholic hierarchy in. Nigeria, reflecting the Pope’s dual role as head of the Vatican State and head of the Catholic Church.
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Press, 13 February 1982, Page 9
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177Muslim leader to greet Pope Press, 13 February 1982, Page 9
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