President Bola Tinubu has expressed his eager anticipation of hosting Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria, emphasizing that interfaith dialogue remains the most viable pathway to tackling the nation’s security challenges and fostering enduring peace.
The President shared these sentiments on Saturday while welcoming Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, at his official residence in Abuja. The Vatican diplomat was ushered into the meeting by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, according to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
A Historic Connection and Global Peace Efforts
During the audience, President Tinubu recalled his deep respect for the Pontiff, noting that it was a historic privilege to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration.
“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,” Tinubu stated. “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.”
A Legacy of Supporting Religious Freedom
Reflecting on his long-standing partnership with the Catholic Church, President Tinubu highlighted his track record dating back to his tenure as the Governor of Lagos State. He praised the Church’s invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s social fabric, particularly in the sectors of education and healthcare. This mutual respect, he noted, influenced his landmark decision as governor to return mission schools to their original religious owners after they had been seized during military rule.
Tinubu assured the envoy that his administration remains unwavering in its commitment to guaranteeing freedom of worship and mitigating religious tension across the country. To illustrate this, he pointed to his own household’s diverse religious background.
“We are also doing a lot to guarantee freedom of worship. 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,” the President remarked.
He urged Christian and Islamic leaders alike to persist in their efforts to advocate for tolerance and unity, stating: “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.”
Celebrating Five Decades of Diplomatic Relations
Archbishop Gallagher revealed that his visit to the West African nation coincides with the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See. He described Nigeria as an incredibly strategic partner for the Vatican, owing to its large, vibrant, and deeply committed Catholic population.
The Archbishop conveyed the Pope’s gratitude to President Tinubu for honoring his inauguration with his presence and commended the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to restore security through targeted military operations. Additionally, Gallagher thanked the administration for its responsiveness to the needs of the Church, particularly in streamlining visa processes for Catholic bishops.