Catholic Priests in Nigeria Urged to Exercise Prudence and Digital Responsibility

In brief

Archbishop Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, has called on Catholic priests to use social media with prudence, charity, and responsibility. Speaking at a meeting in Ede on September 11, the Archbishop of Kaduna said a priest's public presence should strengthen the Church's witness instead of promoting themselves or causing division.

The remarks came during a biennial meeting between the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association and the Catholic bishops of Nigeria. The gathering, held at the Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, focused on the theme of priests acting as non-partisan mobilizers for credible elections ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.

Archbishop Ndagoso told priests they should help the faithful make responsible civic choices without acting as political brokers or campaign agents. He stated that priests should mobilize Catholics by promoting principles rather than political parties, helping people reject violence, corruption, and vote-buying. He described the role of a priest as a minister of Christ called to form consciences and speak moral truth.