PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONFERS WITH POPE FRANCIS ON INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION, POPE TO VISIT NIGERIA

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONFERS WITH POPE FRANCIS ON INTER FAITH DIALOGUE AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION, POPE TO VISIT NIGERIA

President Goodluck Jonathan Saturday at the Vatican conferred with Pope Francis on the promotion of inter-faith dialogue in Nigeria and other parts of the world to foster greater global peace and security.

Speaking to journalists after  his private meeting with Pope Francis, President Jonathan noted that the promotion of inter-faith dialogue was a cause to which the Pontiff was very committed.

The President who said that his administration was already working in close collaboration with Cardinal John Onaiyekan who was "the team leader" for the effort to strengthen inter-faith dialogue in Nigeria,  assured the Pope of his administration's continued commitment to the promotion of religious harmony and the peaceful co-existence of people of all faiths.

Pope's ex-butler Paolo Gabriele on trial for theft

Pope Benedict XVI's former butler has gone on trial in the Vatican on charges of aggravated theft.

Paolo Gabriele, 46, has admitted taking confidential documents and leaking them to the Italian media - although no guilty plea has been entered.
Mr Gabriele has told investigators that he was hoping to expose "evil and corruption" within the Church.
While technically he faces up to four years in prison if found guilty, he could be pardoned by the Pope.