Program of the Pope’s visit

9.15 hrs	Departure with ALITALIA Boeing 767
14.30 hrs	Arrival at «Nnamdi Azikiwe» airport, Abuja (ceremonies of Welcome)
15.15 hrs	Transfer from «Nnamdi Azikiwe» airport to the Apostolic Nunciature – 41 km
16.15 hrs	Arrival at the Nunciature. Blessing of the new building of the Nunciature.Greetings to the workers. Brief rest
17.45 hrs	Transfer from the Nunciature to the State House – 5 km.
18.00 hrs	Arrival at the State House (Aso Rock). Courtesy visit to the Head of State, General Sani Abacha
19.00 hrs	Transfer from the State House to the Nunciature. Supper and Rest for the night.

SUNDAY, 22 MARCH 1998

08.00 hrs	Transfer from the Nunciature to «Nnamdi Azikiwe» Airport, Abuja
08.45 hrs	Flight to Enugu Airport with ADC Airlines. – 400 km
09.35 hrs	Arrival at Enugu airport. Brief greeting by the Local authority
09.50 hrs	Transfer to Oba airport by helicopter. – 86 km
10.20 hrs	Arrival at Oba. Greeting the faithful gathered from Popemobile
11.00 hrs	MASS OF BEATIFICATION OF FATHER CYPRIANMICHAEL IWENETANSI. Angelus message towards the end of Mass.
14.00 hrs	Transfer by helicopter to military base airport at Enugu. light back to Abuja.
15.30 hrs	Arrival at Abuja. No protocol ceremonies. To the Apostolic Nunciature. Rest.
20.30 hrs	Meeting with the Muslim Leaders at the Nunciature.

MONDAY, 23 MARCH 1998

08.00 hrs	Transfer to Kubwa square – 20 km.
08.30 hrs	Greets the faithful gathered from Pope mobile
09.00 hrs	HOLY MASS (Theme – The Church, Family of God) At the end of the Mass, the people will recite the prayer approved by the Nigerian Episcopal Conference: «Prayer for Nigeria in distress»
11.30 hrs	Transfer to the Nunciature
12.00 hrs	Meeting and lunch with the bishops of Nigeria and the members of the Papal entourage at the Nunciature. Rest.
15.45 hrs	Transfer to «Nnamdi Azikiwe» airport Abuja. Departure ceremonies, takes leave of Gen. Abacha, Bishops, members of diplomatic corps, etc.
16.45 hrs	Flight to Rome with ALITALIA Boeing 767
22.00 hrs	Arrival at Ciampino – Roma airport.