President Bola Tinubu has expressed his desire to host Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria, saying the country would welcome the pontiff’s visit.
Tinubu made the invitation on Saturday while receiving Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, at his residence in Abuja.
During the meeting, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting peace, religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians, describing interfaith dialogue as an important tool for tackling the country’s security challenges.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Gallagher was accompanied to the meeting by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu.
Tinubu said it was an honour to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, describing the event as a historic moment.
He praised the Pope’s efforts to promote global peace and said millions of people around the world look to him for spiritual guidance.
“We need his spiritual engagement, and I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria,” the President said.
Tinubu also recalled his long-standing relationship with the Catholic Church, dating back to his time as Governor of Lagos State. He noted that his administration returned mission schools to their original religious owners because of the church’s important role in education and healthcare.
The President assured that his government would continue to protect freedom of worship and encourage religious leaders to promote peace, unity and tolerance across the country.
Speaking during the visit, Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
He described Nigeria as an important country to the Catholic Church because of its large Catholic population and thanked Tinubu for attending the Pope’s inauguration.
Gallagher also commended the Federal Government’s efforts to improve security and appreciated its support for the Catholic Church, including the issuance of visas for bishops.
He expressed confidence that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See would continue to grow through more high-level engagements in the future.
