Lalong apologizes to Catholic bishops regarding Pope comment

By Adeleye Kunle

Plateau state governor and Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Campaign Council, Simon Lalong, has apologized to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria for his unpopular statement to Pope Francis.

While reacting to his recent appointment by the ruling APC to spearhead Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign, Lalong stated that Pope Francis has not disapproved of his support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

As a papal knight, his statement has sparked outrage among Catholics across the country, with some calling for his dismissal from the church.

However, in a letter to the CBCN president titled “Letter of Apology” and dated August 12, 2022, Lalong begged the Catholic Church through the Bishops’ conference for forgiveness and understanding.

“While many people commended me for the appointment and saw it as a way of remaining within the system to fight for our own interests, others cast aspersions on it on the grounds that our faith had been insulted and denigrated,” the letter read in part.

“During this time, many of my opponents turned the issue into a political weapon, with some spreading rumors and calling into question my credentials as a Catholic and a papal knight.”

“During the week, while defending myself, I had occasion to mention my credentials as a Catholic and a Papal Knight.” I made a reference to the Holy Father during the process.

“I now realize that this was a mistake on my part, and that it has caused some concern and even embarrassment to many, particularly members of the family of Papal Knights to which I belong.”

“I now realize that in trying to defend my personal decision to accept this appointment, I may have overreached myself, and thus the reference to the holy father was not intended as an act of disrespect to his exalted and revered office.”

“By this written letter, Your Grace, I wish to tender my unreserved apologies and ask for their understanding and forgiveness from my Catholic brothers and, through you, the entire members of the bishops conference, our fathers and our leaders.”

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