Nigeria's President Tinubu says he will host Pope Leo XIV

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his desire to host Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria, reaffirming his administration's commitment to interfaith dialogue as a cornerstone for national peace and security. Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, July 4, 2026, during a meeting at his residence in Abuja with Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.

The President said it was an honor to have led the Nigerian delegation to the Pope's inauguration and that he looks forward to welcoming him to Nigeria. "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," Tinubu said.

Archbishop Gallagher's visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See. He conveyed Pope Leo XIV's appreciation for Tinubu's attendance at the inauguration and described Nigeria as strategically important to the Catholic Church due to its vibrant Catholic community. Gallagher commended the progress of Veritas University, a Catholic institution in Abuja, and referred to Nigeria as "the heart of Africa."