Vatican envoy hints at possible visit of Pope Leo XIV to Nigeria

Nigeria – Boubacar Sani

Archbishop Paul Gallagher of the Vatican, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, on Saturday hinted at the possibility of Pope Francis visiting Nigeria in the coming years, following his meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Palace in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

Gallagher, who serves as Secretary for Relations with States, said a future papal visit remains possible, pointing to the long-standing diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Nigeria.

He told reporters after the meeting: “We have witnessed a continuous presence of the Papal Ambassador over the years, in addition to visits from many Holy Fathers, and who knows, perhaps in a few years, Pope Leo will also visit Nigeria. But this is all for the future.”.

President Tinubu welcomed this prospect, describing it as an honor to lead Nigeria's delegation to the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in 2025, and expressed hope that the Pope would eventually visit the country.

The President said, “We need his spiritual presence, as millions around the world look up to him. I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria.”.

The Pope's visits to Nigeria

Before becoming Pope, Robert Francis Prevost visited Nigeria at least nine times between 2001 and 2016 as the head of the Augustinian Order, and later as the head of the Augustinian Delegation, visiting cities including Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Jos, Warri, Benin, Bida, and Ibuse.

Although Pope Leo XIV made his first apostolic visit to Africa in April 2026, visiting Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria was not included in this visit, despite being home to over 30 million Catholics and one of the largest Catholic populations on the continent.

During the meeting, Tinubu praised the Catholic Church's contributions to education, healthcare, and humanitarian services, recalling his decision as governor of Lagos State to return mission schools to their original religious owners.

He said: “I recognize the role of the Catholic Church in expanding education, health, and humanitarian work in Nigeria. This means a lot to us, and the country benefits from it.”.

The Catholic Archbishop and religious leaders appealed to continue fostering peace and religious tolerance, affirming his government's commitment to interfaith harmony.

Strengthening military operations in sensitive areas

Speaking on security concerns, Tinubu emphasized the need not to view violence in Nigeria from a religious perspective, stressing that his government is strengthening military operations, intensifying surveillance in sensitive areas, and investing in youth programs aimed at reducing extremism.

Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu described Gallagher's visit as significant, noting that it coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.

It highlighted the broad presence of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, which includes more than 30 million faithful, over 10,000 priests, and the largest number of Catholic bishops in Africa, stating that the Church continues to play a vital role in education, healthcare, humanitarian aid, interreligious dialogue, and peacebuilding.