The Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Paul Gallagher, has expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV will visit Nigeria in the future following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting on Saturday, Gallagher said a papal visit to Nigeria could happen in the coming years, noting the long-standing relationship between the Holy See and Nigeria.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, visited Nigeria several times before becoming pope in 2025 while serving as head of the Augustinian Order and later as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

Gallagher also described Nigeria’s appointment of Paul Adikwu to the Vatican as a sign of the strong diplomatic ties between both sides. He said his visit to Nigeria forms part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.

Tinubu welcomed the prospect of hosting the Pope, saying he looked forward to receiving him in Nigeria. He praised Pope Leo XIV’s efforts to promote global peace and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious harmony and freedom of worship.

The President also commended the Catholic Church’s contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services in Nigeria, while assuring that his government would continue working with religious leaders to promote peace and tolerance.

On security, Tinubu said his administration had intensified efforts to tackle insecurity through increased military operations, improved surveillance and programmes aimed at preventing young people from being recruited by extremist groups.

Also at the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria’s large Catholic population and the Church’s role in education, healthcare and humanitarian work continue to strengthen relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.