Vatican envoy hints at possible Pope Leo XIV visit to Nigeria after meeting Tinubu

The Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, has hinted that Pope Leo XIV could visit Nigeria in the coming years.

 

Gallagher made the remark on Saturday after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

 

“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,” he said.

 

Before his election as Pope in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, visited Nigeria several times as head of the Augustinian Order, travelling to cities including Lagos, Jos, Benin, Bida, Kano, Warri, Kaduna and Abuja between 2001 and 2016.

 

Gallagher described Nigeria’s diplomatic relationship with the Holy See as strong, noting that the recent appointment of Paul Adikwu as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to the Vatican reflected the healthy ties between both parties.

 

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

 

President Tinubu said he looked forward to welcoming Pope Leo XIV to Nigeria, describing the pontiff’s global efforts to promote peace as important at a time the world needs moral and spiritual leadership.

 

“I appreciate the Pope. It was an honour for me to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration. We need his spiritual engagement, as millions around the world look up to him. I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria,” the President said.

 

Tinubu also praised the Catholic Church’s contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services in Nigeria, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to promoting religious harmony and freedom of worship.

 

Addressing security concerns, the President maintained that violence in Nigeria should not be viewed solely through a religious lens, stressing that his government was investing in security operations and youth development to combat terrorism and extremism.

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the visit was significant given Nigeria’s large Catholic population of more than 30 million faithful, over 10,000 priests and the highest number of Catholic bishops in Africa.

 

She added that the Catholic Church continues to play a major role in education, healthcare, humanitarian intervention and the promotion of peace across Nigeria and the continent.