Vatican Diplomat Meets Tinubu, Hints at Pope's Visit

On Saturday, Cardinal Carlo Maria Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States, met with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. During this meeting, Gallagher indicated that Pope Leo XIV may visit Nigeria in 2024, which would coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.

Gallagher's visit is seen as a significant engagement, especially considering Nigeria's large Catholic population of approximately 30 million and over 10,000 priests, the highest number in Africa. The meeting also included Nigeria's ambassador-designate to the Holy See, Paul Adikwu, and was described by Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu as a demonstration of the strong bilateral relationship.

The Holy See has been involved in various sectors in Nigeria, including education, healthcare, and interfaith dialogue, contributing to peace and stability across the continent.