President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed optimism about welcoming Pope Leo XIV to Nigeria after a senior Vatican official hinted that the Pontiff could visit the country in the coming years.
The indication came during a meeting between President Tinubu and the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Paul Gallagher, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Gallagher said Nigeria and the Holy See have maintained a strong diplomatic relationship over the years, adding that while no plans have been confirmed, a future visit by Pope Leo XIV remains a possibility. He also noted that Nigeria recently appointed Paul Adikwu as its ambassador-designate to the Holy See, describing the move as another sign of the healthy ties between both parties.
The Vatican official explained that his visit formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
President Tinubu welcomed the prospect of a papal visit, saying Pope Leo XIV’s message of peace and unity is needed at a time when the world is grappling with conflict and instability. He recalled leading Nigeria’s delegation to the Pope’s inauguration in 2025 and praised the Pontiff’s commitment to promoting global peace.
The President also highlighted the Catholic Church’s longstanding contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services in Nigeria, recalling that as Governor of Lagos State he supported the return of mission schools to their original religious owners.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting religious harmony and freedom of worship, urging Catholic bishops and other religious leaders to continue preaching peace and tolerance across the country.
Addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, the President maintained that the violence affecting parts of the country should not be viewed solely through a religious lens. He said his administration is strengthening security operations, expanding surveillance in vulnerable areas and investing in young people to reduce their susceptibility to recruitment by extremist groups.
Also speaking after the meeting, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu described Nigeria’s relationship with the Holy See as significant, noting that the country has more than 30 million Catholics, over 10,000 priests and the largest number of Catholic bishops in Africa.