President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed optimism about welcoming Pope Leo XIV to Nigeria after receiving the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Vatican envoy indicated that the Pope hopes to visit Nigeria in the future, although no official date has been announced.
President Bola Tinubu has said he looks forward to receiving Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria following a meeting with the Vatican’s diplomatic representative at the State House in Abuja.
The meeting came amid growing diplomatic and religious engagement between Nigeria and the Holy See, with discussions focusing on peace, interfaith dialogue and strengthening bilateral relations.
During the meeting, President Tinubu received the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, who conveyed the goodwill of Pope Leo XIV and reaffirmed the Vatican’s commitment to its longstanding relationship with Nigeria.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu welcomed the development and said he would be honoured to receive the Pope whenever such a visit is scheduled.
The Vatican representative also hinted that Pope Leo XIV hopes to undertake a pastoral visit to Nigeria in the coming years, though the Holy See has not released an official itinerary or timeline for such a trip.
Nigeria is home to one of Africa’s largest Catholic populations and has maintained diplomatic relations with the Holy See for decades.
President Tinubu previously travelled to the Vatican in 2025 to attend the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV after receiving a personal invitation from the Pontiff, highlighting the cordial relationship between both parties.
A future papal visit would be significant, as it would mark Pope Leo XIV’s first trip to Nigeria since becoming head of the Roman Catholic Church.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting religious harmony, national unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths.
The Vatican, through its diplomatic mission, also reiterated its support for continued collaboration with Nigeria on humanitarian issues, peacebuilding and interreligious dialogue.
Although no official date has been fixed, the possibility of a future visit by Pope Leo XIV has generated interest among Nigeria’s Catholic faithful and religious leaders. Any eventual papal visit would represent another milestone in the long-standing diplomatic and spiritual ties between Nigeria and the Holy See.