Pope Francis has given priests in the Nigerian diocese of Ahiara 30 days to write a letter promising obedience to him and accepting the bishop appointed for their diocese.
Priests who do not write the letter will be suspended, according to Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples.
The papal text in English was posted on the blog of Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos, president of the Nigerian bishops' conference, and Fides posted it in Italian.
The Vatican press office could not immediately confirm its authenticity, although Cardinal John Onaiyekan of Abuja, who also was present, told the Catholic News Service that they were the remarks of the Pope.
