‘Evil will not have the final word’ — Catholic bishops tell Nigerians in Christmas message

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite worsening economic hardship, insecurity and widespread displacement across the country.

In a Christmas message on Friday, Lucius Ugorji, president of the CBCN and archbishop of Owerri, said the birth of Jesus Christ remains a powerful reminder that God has not abandoned Nigeria, even amid deep national challenges.

He added that the Christmas season offers reassurance that “evil does not have the final word.”

“At Christmas, the Church proclaims the truth upon which all Christian hope rests: the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. God did not respond to the brokenness of the world with distance or indifference. He responded by drawing near,” he said.

The cleric lamented the scale of suffering across the country, citing economic hardship, insecurity, displacement and persistent violence that have left many Nigerians “fearful, weary, and uncertain.”

He said families have been torn apart, livelihoods destroyed and lives lost to lawlessness.

Ugogji recalled the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger state, describing it as a painful reminder of the insecurity facing communities across the country.

“We recall with deep pain the abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, and the anguish of families whose loved ones remain in captivity, alongside countless others across the country living under similar threats,” he said.

The CBCN president stressed that Christmas should not be interpreted as a denial of suffering but as a declaration that suffering is not the end of the story.

“Christian hope does not deny evil, but it refuses to concede that evil is final,” he said.

“Even when answers are delayed and outcomes remain uncertain, hope assures us that no life is forgotten.”

Ugorji said peace, unity and justice are achievable if Nigerians commit to truth, integrity and respect for human dignity, adding that corruption and violence, though deeply rooted, are not irreversible.

“Our nation longs for a future where integrity overcomes corruption and violence gives way to security. What has been fractured can be rebuilt, and what has been wounded can be healed,” he said.

The archbishop said despite challenges, there are still signs of hope across the country, pointing to Nigerians who continue to choose honesty, courage and service in their daily lives.

“These daily acts of faithfulness remind us that the moral heart of our nation is still alive,” he said.

Ugogji urged Nigerians to embrace the true meaning of Christmas and renew their commitment to justice, reconciliation and peace, expressing hope that the season would bring healing and renewed purpose to the country.