Ahead of the 2023 main pilgrimage exercise to Rome and Greece, the delegation of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission and the state pilgrimage leaders and managers arrived in Rome, Italy on Saturday on a pre-visit.

According to a statement signed by the NCPC Spokesperson, Celestine Toruka on Sunday, the delegation is expected to visit some of the important holy sites and inspect some of the hotels that would be used by the intending pilgrims for the forthcoming pilgrimage exercise which would commence by early next year.

The delegation is being led by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam.

“The delegation is billed to inspect and visit some important Biblical holy sites in Rome and Greece but would spend four nights in Rome before departing for Greece.

“While in Rome, the delegation would visit Mamertine Prison, St.Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, amongst others,” the statement said.

It would be recalled that the commission and the state’s pilgrimage leaders and managers have resolved that Rome and Greece would be the next pilgrimage destination options for the December 2023 main pilgrimage exercise because of the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza, hence the pre-visit to the two countries.