The Pope also commended Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, for his developmental strides in the state.
Speaking through the Prefect General of the Congregation of Evangelism, His Eminence Cardinal Fernando Filoni, the Pope described the state as the heart of Catholic evangelism in Nigeria.
Filoni, who is representing the Pope at the week-long centenary celebration of the Archdiocese of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, expressed satisfaction over the tremendous transformation that has taken place in the state especially in the area of evangelism and human development.
He applauded the significance of the centenary celebration, pointing out that it was a seed sowed 100 years ago, at a particular point in the state that had grown into an Archdiocese.
Filoni commended Chief Okorocha for the capital and human development in the state, saying governors are those who must in the name of God exercise their power for the good of the people.
Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal-elect John Onaiyekan, thanked Filoni for visiting the state for the centenary celebration.
He described his recent appointment as cardinal as God's continued calling upon his life.
Governor Okorocha lauded Cardinal Filoni's visit as a "blessing" for Owerri state.
He appealed to the Pope's representative to call for a conference of political and religious leaders to address global leadership challenges, pointing out that such a step would go a long way towards achieving the desired leadership that will help the society.
The governor decried Western cultural spillage into pornography and nude clubs which were destroying society.
He described the Catholic Church as was a worthy partner in the state, especially in the area of ensuring quality leadership, truth, and people's welfare, and commended Archbishop Anthony Obinna of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, for his outstanding contribution in that regard.