Tinubu Reaffirms Nigeria's Commitment to Religious Tolerance

On Saturday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States, in Abuja.

During the meeting, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance as essential paths to addressing Nigeria's security challenges. He noted the long-standing cordial relationship between Nigeria and the Catholic Church, dating back to his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

Tinubu praised the Church's contributions to education, healthcare, and humanitarian services in Nigeria. He also commended Pope Leo XIV's global peace initiatives and expressed anticipation for Nigeria's participation in the Pope's inauguration.

The President urged Catholic bishops and religious leaders to continue preaching peace and tolerance, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom. Archbishop Gallagher acknowledged Nigeria's strategic importance to the Catholic Church and expressed gratitude for the Nigerian government's facilitation of visa issuance for Catholic bishops.

He also looked forward to receiving Nigeria's ambassador to the Holy See in the coming week.