Nigeria Ready to Host Pope Leo XIV as Both Nations Mark 50 Years

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday received Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, at his residence in Abuja and expressed his desire to host Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Ojukwu attended the meeting, held as part of activities marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.

In a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the visit as timely and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to peace, religious tolerance and national unity.

The president said interfaith dialogue remains key to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.

“I appreciate the Pope. Leading Nigeria’s delegation to his inauguration was a great honour. His commitment to world peace is clear,” Tinubu said. “Millions look up to him. I look forward to welcoming him to Nigeria.”

Tinubu recalled his long association with the Catholic Church from his time as Lagos governor. He cited the church’s role in education and healthcare, and noted that he returned mission schools to their original owners after military rule.

“My administration will continue to promote harmony among all faiths,” he said. “Our religious leaders are doing great work. I urge them to keep preaching peace and tolerance. We are also protecting freedom of worship. My wife is a pastor in an evangelical church, so religion should not be a source of division.”

Archbishop Gallagher said his visit marks the golden jubilee of Nigeria-Vatican relations. He described Nigeria as central to the Catholic Church in Africa, with over 30 million Catholics, about 10,000 priests, and the continent’s largest number of bishops.

He conveyed the Pope’s appreciation to Tinubu for attending the inauguration and commended government efforts on security. He also thanked Nigeria for visa support for Catholic bishops.

The Archbishop said he expects Nigeria’s ambassador to the Holy See soon and hopes for more high-level exchanges.

As part of his visit, Gallagher will tour Catholic schools and meet religious and community leaders to promote interfaith dialogue.

A reception and unveiling of a 50th anniversary plaque will hold on Monday, July 6, 2026.

He was accompanied by Archbishop Michael F. Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria; Monsignor Suman Paul Anthony; and Monsignor Patarne Koyassambia-Kozondo.

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