Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations at the Holy See, Arch. Paul Gallagher, on Saturday hinted that Pope Leo XIV may visit Nigeria in the coming years.
The Vatican’s foreign minister disclosed this to newsmen following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
He said, “We have had a constant presence of the Nuncio over the years and visits from several of the Holy Fathers, and who knows, maybe in a few years’ time, Pope Leo will come to visit Nigeria as well. But that’s all for the future.”
Long before he became the leader of the global Augustinian Catholic community, Pope Leo XIV maintained deep roots in Nigeria, logging nine visits to the country prior to his papal election in May 2025.
Records show that between 2001 and 2016, the Pope, then Father Robert Francis Prevost, visited Nigeria at least nine times while serving as Prior General of the Augustinian Order and later as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. He travelled to Lagos, Jos, Benin, Bida, Ibusa, Iwaro Oka-Akoko, Kano, Warri, Kaduna, and Abuja.
In April 2026 the Pope embarked on his first apostolic trip to Africa, a 10-day journey covering Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.
However, the visit did not include Nigeria which is home to over 30 million Catholics, over 10,000 Catholic priests, and the highest number of Archbishops on the continent.
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Backstory…
Pope Leo XIV, born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, became the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis, making history as the first American to lead the Vatican.
Since assuming the papacy, he has repeatedly expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, particularly the recurring killings of Christians and attacks on communities in the country’s Middle Belt and North.
In several public addresses and Angelus prayers earlier this year, the Pontiff called for an end to the violence, prayed for the victims and urged the international community not to ignore the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Nigeria.
Hints on Popes Leo XIV Visit
Leading the delegation to the Presidential Villa, Gallagher described Paul Adikwu’s recent appointment by Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to the Holy See as a sign of the strong and cordial bilateral relationship between both sides.
Speaking further, Cardinal Gallagher described his visit as part of commemorative engagements and contacts with the local church and government ahead of the 50th anniversary of Nigeria-Holy See diplomatic relations.
Meanwhile, speaking on his part, president Tinubu stated that he looked forward to receiving Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria.
He said, “I appreciate the Pope. It was an honour for me to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration as Pope Leo XIV. It was a moment of history. I see his efforts all over the world to promote world peace.
“We need his spiritual engagement, as millions around the world look up to him. I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria,”
