Vatican Envoy Meets Tinubu, Hints at Pope’s Nigeria Visit

President Bola Tinubu with the Vatican's Foreign Minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, during a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Vatican has hinted that Pope Leo XIV may visit Nigeria in the coming years, a move that would further strengthen the long-standing diplomatic and religious ties between Nigeria and the Holy See.

The Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations at the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, disclosed this while speaking with journalists after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 

He said, "We have had a constant presence of the Nuncio over the years and visits from several of the Holy Fathers, and who knows, maybe in a few years' time, Pope Leo will come to visit Nigeria as well. But that's all for the future."

Archbishop Gallagher described relations between Nigeria and the Vatican as strong and healthy, noting that the appointment of Mr. Paul Adikwu as Nigeria's Ambassador-designate to the Holy See further demonstrates the cordial relationship between both sides. 

He explained that his visit formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.

Before his election as Pope in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Father Robert Francis Prevost, visited Nigeria on at least nine occasions as Prior General of the Augustinian Order and later as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. During those visits between 2001 and 2016, he travelled to several cities, including Lagos, Jos, Benin, Bida, Ibusa, Kano, Warri, Kaduna and Abuja, strengthening ties with the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

President Tinubu welcomed the prospect of a papal visit, saying he looked forward to receiving Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria. He commended the Pontiff's efforts in promoting global peace and stressed that his spiritual leadership remains important at a time when the world is facing increasing security and humanitarian challenges.

The President also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to promoting religious harmony and freedom of worship, while acknowledging the Catholic Church's significant contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services and national development. 

He urged religious leaders to continue preaching peace, tolerance and national unity.

Also speaking, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described Archbishop Gallagher's visit as significant, noting that Nigeria has more than 30 million Catholics, over 10,000 Catholic priests, and the largest number of Catholic bishops in Africa. 

She said the Catholic Church continues to play a vital role in education, healthcare, humanitarian intervention, interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding across the country.

Source: Punch

Tags: #PopeLeoXIV #NigeriaVaticanRelations #PresidentTinubu