Tinubu Says He Looks Forward to Receiving Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria as Diplomatic Ties Hit 50 Years

In a moment that blends diplomacy, faith and national symbolism, ValidViewNetwork reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday declared that he looks forward to receiving Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria, describing the Pope’s global peace efforts as a guiding light at a time when millions across the world are searching for spiritual direction.

The President made the declaration while receiving the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. Archbishop Gallagher was ushered into the President’s presence by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu, according to a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the statement is titled: “Nigerian Government Will Continue to Partner With Religious Leaders to Promote Peace and Tolerance — President Tinubu.”

ADVERTISEMENT

President Tinubu reflected on his recent visit to the Vatican, recalling his role in leading Nigeria’s delegation to the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, which he described as a historic moment. He said, “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.” Gallagher’s visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, a milestone he noted was significant given Nigeria’s strategic importance to the global Catholic Church.

ValidViewNetwork reports that President Tinubu also highlighted his longstanding relationship with the Catholic Church, tracing it back to his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, when he prioritised returning mission schools to religious institutions after decades of government takeover by military administrations. He said, “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.”

The President charged Archbishop Gallagher with a message for Nigeria’s bishops and religious leaders, 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. We cannot have an excess of that.”

On Nigeria’s security challenges, ValidViewNetwork reports that President Tinubu argued that the killings across the country are not driven by religion, citing his own household as evidence that the conflict cannot be reduced to religious identity.

As Nigeria marks five decades of diplomatic engagement with the Holy See, President Tinubu’s remarks signal a renewed commitment to interfaith harmony, global peace partnerships and strengthened ties with the Catholic Church. With the prospect of a historic visit by Pope Leo XIV, Nigeria stands at a defining intersection of diplomacy and spirituality , a moment ValidViewNetwork reports as both symbolic and profoundly consequential for the nation’s future.