Tinubu Expresses Desire to Host Pope Leo in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his desire to host Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to promoting religious harmony, peace and freedom of worship across the country.
Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, July 4, 2026, while receiving Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, at his residence in Abuja during activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
The Vatican envoy was accompanied by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Crotty, Monsignor Suman Anthony and Monsignor Patarne Koyassambia-Kozondo. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu ushered the delegation to the meeting.
Recalling his attendance at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV earlier this year, Tinubu said the occasion was historic and commended the Pontiff’s efforts to promote global peace.
“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 his administration would continue to encourage peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, describing interfaith dialogue as an important tool for strengthening national unity and addressing security challenges.
“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.”
The President also acknowledged the contributions of the Catholic Church to Nigeria’s development, particularly in education, healthcare and humanitarian services.
“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.”
Tinubu said his government remained committed to protecting freedom of worship, adding that efforts were also being intensified to tackle insecurity through improved surveillance, expanded security operations and investments in young people to reduce vulnerability to extremist recruitment.
“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.”
Gallagher conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation to Tinubu for attending the papal inauguration and described Nigeria as the “heart of Africa.”
He also commended ongoing efforts to promote peace, praised the progress of Veritas University and thanked the Federal Government for facilitating visas for Catholic bishops visiting the country.
The meeting formed part of events commemorating five decades of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
As of Monday, July 6, 2026, neither the Vatican nor the Federal Government had announced any date for a papal visit to Nigeria.
