Awaiting History: President Tinubu Anticipates Pope Leo XIV's Visit to Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu expressed his eagerness to host Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria, emphasizing the Pope's crucial role in promoting global peace. This sentiment arose during a meeting with Paul Gallagher of the Holy See, which also marked 50 years of diplomatic ties and highlighted the Catholic Church's significant contributions to Nigeria's development and religious harmony. Tinubu further addressed security challenges, affirming efforts to combat violence and promote inter-faith understanding.
President Bola Tinubu has conveyed his strong desire to welcome Pope Leo XIV to Nigeria, underscoring the Pope's essential leadership in fostering global peace. This significant remark was made during President Tinubu's meeting on Saturday with Paul Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, at the State House in Abuja. The crucial meeting was facilitated by Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
President Tinubu reflected on his attendance at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration, stating, "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." He further emphasized the need for the Pope's spiritual engagement, recognizing that millions globally look up to him for guidance and inspiration. This dialogue coincided with a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
During the discussions, President Tinubu acknowledged the extensive contributions of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, particularly in expanding education, healthcare, and humanitarian services. He noted, "I understand the roles that the Catholic Church has been playing in expanding the frontiers of education, health and humanitarianism in Nigeria. It means a lot to us in Nigeria, and the country is benefiting from it." The President reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to promoting religious harmony among all faiths within the nation. He urged religious leaders, especially Catholic bishops, to continue their invaluable work of preaching peace and tolerance, stating, "We cannot have an excess of that."
Addressing the pressing issue of security, President Tinubu clarified that the violence observed in parts of the country should not be misconstrued as a religious conflict. He highlighted his wife's role as a pastor in an evangelical church as an example that downplays any religious connotation the controversy might take. Furthermore, he informed Gallagher of the military's progress in tackling insecurity and his administration's increased investment in security measures and youth development, aiming to mitigate the risk of radicalisation across the country.
In response, Mr. Gallagher conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s sincere appreciation for President Tinubu’s presence at his inauguration and lauded the Nigerian government's dedicated efforts to promote peace. He also extended gratitude for the government's support in facilitating visas for Catholic bishops and endorsing the Church’s various activities within Nigeria. It was also noted that prior to his election in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV, then known as Robert Francis Prevost, had visited Nigeria multiple times between 2001 and 2016, serving in different capacities within the Catholic Church, underscoring his longstanding connection with the nation.