(21 Mar 1998) English/Nat
Pope John Paul the Second, has marked his arrival in Nigeria by calling for respect for human rights and the promotion of justice.
A Vatican spokesman said the Pope had requested clemency for about 60 detainees held in Nigerian prisons.
In comments as he arrived at the Nigerian capital of Abuja, on Saturday, the pope sought to lift the spirits of Nigerians discouraged by years of severe military rule, tension and crime.
It was a bumpy flight into Nigeria for the Pope on Saturday - the Pontiff had to endure a sandstorm before safely touching down in the capital of Abuja.
The ageing Pope had to be helped off the plane by one of his aides, to a welcoming fit for a king.
As he stepped off the plane into the searing heat he was greeted by a string of dignitaries including Nigerian Military Leader, General Sani Abacha.
Although Pope John Paul the Second's visit is purely pastoral, the Nigerian government treated this like a state visit - with all the pomp and ceremony.
The pope has come to Abuja to beatify a Nigerian monk - the first West African monk to receive such an honour.
It's claimed a young girl, dying of cancer, touched the priests coffin and was cured.
But the pope will meet with General Abacha, during which he is expected to raise the subject of his authoritarian rule, political prisoners and human rights.
This is the second time in sixteen years the Pope has visited Nigeria - Sub-Saharan Africa's most populous country with 1-hundred-and-15-million (m) people.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"All our countrymen and women, especially the millions who adhere to the Catholic faith are immensely honoured by your sublime presence, once again."
SUPER CAPTION: General Sani Abacha, Nigerian Leader
In his speech, the pope sought to comfort and bolster the spirits of Nigerians discouraged by years of severe military rule, tension and crime.
His call for the respect for human rights and the promotion of justice was enthusiastically received by the crowd.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It is important at this moment in Nigeria's history. A moment that requires concerted and honest efforts to foster harmony and national unity, To guarantee respect for you and I and to human rights and to promote justice and development."
SUPER CAPTION: Pope John Paul II
When the Pope meets with General Abacha he is also expected to pave the way for discussions on the country's democracy and national sovereignty.
Church officials and human rights activists hope the Pope will be able to convince Abacha to release hundreds of Nigerian political prisoners - just like he did when he visited Cuban President Fidel Castro in January.
Nevertheless the Pope's visit to Nigeria has had a marked effect on both young and old.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"He has changed the country. He has praised us and blessed the country."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop
Security forces and final preparations are in place for the pope's open air mass on Monday, where about one million people are expected to attend.
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