Vatican Hints At Possible Pope Leo XIV Visit To Nigeria

The Vatican says Pope Leo XIV could visit Nigeria in the coming years as both sides reaffirm strong diplomatic and religious ties.

Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations at the Holy See, Paul Richard Gallagher, made the disclosure after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Gallagher said a future papal visit remains a possibility, noting that the Holy See has maintained a long standing relationship with Nigeria through its diplomatic mission and previous visits by Popes.

Before his election in 2025, Pope Leo XIV, then known as Robert Francis Prevost, visited Nigeria several times as head of the worldwide Augustinian Order, travelling to Lagos, Jos, Benin, Bida, Warri, Kaduna and Abuja between 2001 and 2016.

Gallagher said his visit forms part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, said Nigeria’s Catholic community of more than 30 million people and the Church’s contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services and peacebuilding have helped strengthen bilateral relations since diplomatic ties began in 1976.