Tinubu Eyes Landmark Papal Visit As Vatican Drops Fresh Hint On Pope Leo’s Nigeria Trip

The Vatican has suggested that Pope Leo XIV could make an official visit to Nigeria in the coming years, raising hopes of a historic papal trip to Africa’s most populous nation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The indication came from the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday.

Gallagher, who serves as the Vatican’s foreign minister, noted the long-standing diplomatic and religious ties between Nigeria and the Holy See, recalling that previous popes had visited the country.

“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. But that’s all for the future,” he told journalists.

Before becoming pope in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV, then known as Father Robert Francis Prevost, visited Nigeria several times while serving in senior leadership positions within the Augustinian Order and later as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

Between 2001 and 2016, he reportedly travelled to several Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Jos, Benin, Bida, Ibusa, Iwaro Oka-Akoko, Kano, Warri, Kaduna and Abuja, during pastoral and administrative missions.

Although Pope Leo undertook his first apostolic visit to Africa in April 2026, touring Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea over 10 days, Nigeria was not included in that itinerary despite being home to more than 30 million Catholics and over 10,000 Catholic priests.

President Tinubu welcomed the prospect of hosting the pontiff, describing Pope Leo’s global peace efforts as especially important at a time of rising international tensions.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu recalled leading Nigeria’s delegation to the Pope’s inauguration and said he looked forward to receiving him in the country.

“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,” the President said.

Tinubu also reflected on his longstanding relationship with the Catholic Church, recalling that his administration as governor of Lagos State facilitated the return of mission schools previously taken over by military governments to their original religious owners.

He praised the Church’s contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services in Nigeria, saying the country continues to benefit from its interventions.

The President further appealed to Archbishop Gallagher to convey his appreciation to Catholic bishops and other religious leaders across Nigeria, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to promoting religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Addressing security concerns, Tinubu argued that violence in Nigeria should not be viewed solely through a religious lens. He cited his own family’s religious diversity, noting that his wife is a pastor in an evangelical church, as an example of peaceful coexistence.

He added that his administration has intensified investments in security through increased funding, expanded surveillance in previously ungoverned areas and youth-focused initiatives aimed at preventing radicalisation and recruitment by terrorist groups.

Gallagher said his visit was part of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See. He described the relationship as strong and cordial, noting that Nigeria had recently appointed a new ambassador-designate to the Vatican.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who attended the meeting, described the visit as significant, citing Nigeria’s large Catholic population and the Church’s extensive contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services and interfaith dialogue.

She noted that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See were established in 1976, while Nigeria opened its diplomatic mission to the Vatican in 2012, adding that the partnership has continued to strengthen over the years.