President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Nigeria, saying the Pontiff’s spiritual leadership and global advocacy for peace would further strengthen efforts to promote unity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country.
The invitation was extended on Saturday in Abuja when President Tinubu received Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, at his residence.
The President, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, described the occasion as “a moment of history” and praised the Pope’s commitment to promoting peace across the world.
“I appreciate the Pope. It was an honour for me to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration as Pope Leo XIV. It was a moment of history. I see his efforts all over the world to promote world peace. We need his spiritual engagement, as millions around the world look up to him. I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, describing it as the most effective pathway to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and sustaining national cohesion.
President Tinubu said his government would continue to guarantee freedom of worship and strengthen religious harmony, while acknowledging the Catholic Church’s enduring contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services in Nigeria.
Recalling his long-standing relationship with the Church, the President noted that as governor of Lagos State, he approved the return of mission schools to their original religious owners after they had been taken over during military rule.
He urged bishops and other religious leaders to continue preaching peace, tolerance and unity, stressing that Nigeria could never have “an excess” of those virtues.
Tinubu also highlighted his administration’s commitment to religious inclusiveness, noting that his wife serves as a pastor in an evangelical church, a reflection that people of different faiths can live and work together harmoniously.
On security, the President said the Nigerian military had recorded significant progress in recent months through increased funding, improved surveillance and intensified operations in previously ungoverned areas. He added that the government was investing in young people to reduce their vulnerability to terrorism and violent extremism.
Responding, Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, describing the country as strategically important to the Catholic Church because of its vibrant Catholic population.
He conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation to President Tinubu for attending his inauguration and commended the progress recorded by Veritas University in Abuja.
The Vatican envoy described Nigeria as the heart of Africa and praised the country’s Catholic bishops for their leadership and contributions across the continent.
Archbishop Gallagher also commended President Tinubu’s efforts to promote peace through strengthened security initiatives and thanked the Nigerian government for facilitating visas for Catholic bishops and supporting the Church’s activities.
A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, special Adviser to the President on information explained that he expressed optimism that bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Holy See would continue to deepen, disclosing that he looked forward to receiving Nigeria’s ambassador to the Holy See in the coming weeks and that more high-level Vatican visits to Nigeria would follow.
