On 13th October, 2024, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received the blessings and love of the Tiv Nation through a seminarian of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Simon Aondoungwa Torkase. Simon is currently undergoing his theological studies at Pontificio Collegio Urbano ‘De Propaganda Fide’, Rome, Italy.
Seminarian Simon with beaming smiles humbly vested the Pope in the reverred traditional attire (Anger) of the Tiv as his own gift from the Tiv Nation during a courtesy call on the Roman Pontiff, who is the Proprietor of the College. The visit was in line with the annual tradition and privilege granted to the new seminarians (Nuovi Alunni) of the Pontificio Collegio Urbano ‘De Propaganda Fide’, Rome, Italy, where every year they have the honour of meeting with the Pope.
In a media chat with Amore Media, the official medial channel of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Simon stated, “On the 13th of October, 2024, we gathered at his residence as our Rector Don. Armando Nugnes alongside some formators presented us to the Holy Father”.
Regarding the inspiration to vest the Pope, he quipped, “One thing I am truly proud of is my culture. Whenever someone asks where I am from, and I say Nigeria, the first question I often get is, “Are you Igbo?” This always fills me with joy, as it gives me an opportunity to proudly represent and share my culture. When the chance to meet Pope Francis arose, I carefully considered what gift I could present to him and felt that nothing would be more fitting than my cultural attire, which holds great significance to me”.
Disclosing details of his encounter with Pope, Simon further said, “My conversation with Pope Francis began with a warm greeting. He asked my name and where I came from, to which I responded, “I am from Nigeria, from Benue State –
