The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, says media reports that Pope Francis approved blessings for same gender couples were untrue.
Kaigama made the clarification in his homily during the Christmas Mass he conducted at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Pro-Cathedral in Abuja on Monday.
He described the report as mischievous disinformation and part of a deliberately orchestrated falsehood by the enemies of the Catholic Church in order to cause confusion among its members.
Kaigama stated, “For the avoidance of doubt, the Pope did not, and will never approve blessings for any intending same gender couples because the position of the Church on this is very clear and has not changed.
“I am the representative of the Pope here, so if there is any such approval or directive, I will be the first to know and relay the message to the brethren.
“The media reports on this issue is the handiwork of the enemies of the Church, who have been busy spending millions of dollars to bring down the Church, but to no avail because they cannot succeed.”
He admonished Christians not to despair or allow their faith to be shaken by the wanton attacks against the Church by its enemies, adding that evil could never prevail over good, just as darkness cannot overcome light.
Speaking on the insecurity across the country, Kaigama urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and prayers, stressing that before long, the challenge would become a thing of the past.
The cleric called on the perpetrators of crime, especially the incessant kidnapping of Catholic priests, to desist from such so as to avoid the wrath of God.
He also prayed for Nigeria and its leaders to succeed, while urging the Federal Government to step up security measures to stem the tide of crime in the country and rein in the outlaws.
Kaigama said Christmas signified a season of peace, love, care, change and new birth in the lives of all Christians who must endeavour to emulate Christ by observing the identified principles.
