German Catholic Bishop Encourages Nigerians to Foster Works of Mercy, “to put smiles in the faces of the poor”

Alluding to the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, which Pope Francis officially launched under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” on the Eve of Christmas 2024 with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, Bishop Meier added, “We must go to places and regions where there are poor persons. Hope will only exist if the young generation has hope, not corruption, not criminality, but hope.”

“Mercy is more important than justice. We must have mercy for one another, and with dialogue and mercy, we can resolve even difficult problems,” the 64-year-old Catholic Bishop said.

In the January 12 interview with ACI Africa, Bishop Meier emphasized the link between interreligious dialogue and peace in Nigeria, saying, “For me, the hope here in Nigeria is that interreligious dialogue will grow and increase so that there will be peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. Where there is peace, there is growth and development, and that is what we want to see in Nigeria.”

Reflecting on the 2025 Jubilee Year, he identified spiritual renewal as important, describing the yearlong initiative set to conclude on 6 January 2026 as “a spiritual project”. 

“The Holy year, the year of hope, should be a spiritual project. We must proclaim the gospel as a way of evangelization, encourage the faithful to embrace the various Sacraments, and promote the Sacrament of reconciliation in Dioceses, Parishes, and move together as holy people of God,” Bishop Meier told ACI Africa.

More in Africa

Church in Benin to “welcome”, Venerate Relics of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus in 2025 Jubilee Year Celebrations

Read the article

The Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in June 2020 went on to reflect on his experience in the West African nation, describing Nigeria as “very interesting, also in a delicate situation.”

He lauded the vitality of the Catholic Church in the country, saying, “The local church here is very alive. The churches are full of people, and it is a very young people of God. Pope Francis speaks of the church as the holy people of God, and this idea is very much realized in Nigeria.”

Bishop Meier continued, “Nigeria is a very rich country (that) is struggling with various challenges especially economic challenges; I believe if the leaders in Nigeria will prioritize the welfare of the people, fight hunger, deprivation and provide good governance, the country will be a good place for all her citizen and they will not have reasons to die in the process of looking for the source of survival.”

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.