The leader of the world's Anglicans has visited Nigeria, expressing sympathy to the country's president over security concerns and the fate of more than 200 schoolgirl hostages.
"The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby made a last-minute visit to Nigeria today to offer his heartfelt sympathy for the recent events affecting the country," Lambeth Palace said in a statement.
During a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, described by Welby's office as a "pastoral visit", the cleric expressed his "personal pain and condolence about the ongoing terrorism" affecting mainly Muslim northern Nigeria.
The talks also touched on a recent twin car bomb attack in the central city of Jos, also blamed on Boko Haram militants, which killed at least 118.
"The bombing in Jos was deeply disheartening because I know Jos very well. I came to pray with His Excellency (Jonathan) and express our condolence for the losses," Welby told reporters.
Welby added that he was "deeply grieved" by the current violence but was optimistic for the future because of Nigeria's "enormous potential".
Lambeth Palace said Welby and Jonathan prayed privately together with the Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, the Primate who leads the Anglican Communion in Nigeria.
Welby, a former oil executive before joining the Church, has previous experience of negotiating with violent groups in the oil-producing Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria.
His visit came after reports that an Australian friend and colleague of the archbishop has been in Nigeria, allegedly at the request of Nigeria's government, to broker talks with Boko Haram.
The government in Abuja, however, has not confirmed cleric Stephen Davis' presence.
