I look forward to receiving Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria – Tinubu

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his desire to host Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria, saying he looks forward to welcoming the head of the Catholic Church as his administration deepens efforts to promote religious harmony, peace and tolerance across the country.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja while receiving Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, at his residence.

The Archbishop was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.

The President said Nigeria would continue to partner with religious leaders and institutions in fostering peaceful coexistence, stressing that interfaith dialogue remains the most effective path to addressing the country’s security challenges.

“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.

The President noted that he had enjoyed a longstanding and cordial relationship with the Catholic Church, particularly during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, and praised the Church’s enduring contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services.

According to Tinubu, his appreciation for the Church’s role informed his decision to prioritise the return of mission schools to their original religious owners after assuming office as governor, reversing policies introduced during previous military administrations.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to religious tolerance, Tinubu urged bishops and other faith leaders to sustain their advocacy for peaceful coexistence.

“My administration will continue to work on religious harmony among all faiths. Our Bishops and religious leaders have been doing a great deal. Please tell them to continue the good work they are doing. Let them continue to preach peace and tolerance. We cannot have an excess of that,” he said.

The President also emphasised his government’s commitment to protecting freedom of worship, noting that Nigeria’s religious diversity should unite rather than divide its people.

“As you may be aware, my wife is a pastor at an evangelical church. This downplays the religious connotation that the religious controversy in our country might have taken,” he added.

On security, Tinubu assured his guest that the Nigerian military had recorded significant successes against criminal elements and insurgents, adding that the government was increasing investments in surveillance and security operations, particularly in previously ungoverned areas.

He said the administration was equally investing in youth development to prevent young Nigerians from being recruited by terrorist groups or becoming vulnerable to radicalisation.

Earlier, Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Holy See, describing Nigeria 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 praised the progress of Veritas University, established by the Catholic community in Abuja.

Describing Nigeria as the heart of Africa, Archbishop Gallagher commended Tinubu’s efforts to promote peace, particularly through military initiatives, while encouraging the government to sustain its commitment to national stability.

He also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for facilitating visas for Catholic bishops and for its continued cooperation with the Church.

Archbishop Gallagher further informed the President that he looked forward to receiving Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Holy See in the coming weeks and expressed confidence that his visit would be the first of several special engagements between Nigeria and the Vatican.

Also accompanying the Archbishop were H.E. Archbishop Michael F. Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria; Rev. Monsignor Suman Paul Anthony, Official of the Secretariat of State-Section for Relations with States and International Organisations; and Rev. Monsignor Patarne Koyassambia-Kozondo, First Secretary, Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria.