Abroad-Based Nigerian Catholic Priest Explains Stark Difference Between Priesthood in Nigeria and Italy as Viral Video Sparks Debate

A Nigerian Catholic priest currently serving in Italy has gone viral after candidly sharing his experience working abroad compared to priesthood in Nigeria. Speaking in a TikTok video, the priest revealed that while being a priest in Nigeria often comes with high social status and treatment akin to royalty, working as a priest in Italy demands humility, self-service, and a servant-like lifestyle. Ordained in Nigeria and having served there for two years before relocating, he explained that priests in Italy handle most tasks themselves, from preparing the church to daily parish duties, unlike in Nigeria where aides often assist. His remarks have triggered mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians praising the respect accorded to priests at home, while others argue that priesthood is fundamentally a call to service, not privilege.