President Bola Tinubu has expressed his desire to host Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria, saying the country would welcome the Pontiff as his administration intensifies efforts to promote religious harmony, interfaith dialogue and national unity.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, his special adviser on information and strategy, the president made the remarks on Saturday while receiving the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, at his residence in Abuja. The Vatican envoy was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Tinubu said his government remains committed to strengthening peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities, stressing that sustained interfaith dialogue is critical to overcoming the nation’s security challenges.

Reflecting on his longstanding relationship with the Catholic Church, particularly during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, the president praised the Church’s contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian services across Nigeria.

He recalled that one of his early decisions as governor was to return mission schools to their original religious owners after they had been taken over during military rule.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The president urged Catholic bishops and other religious leaders to continue promoting peace, tolerance and national cohesion.

“My administration will continue to work on religious harmony among all faiths. Our Bishops and religious leaders have been doing a great deal. Please tell them to continue the good work they are doing. Let them continue to preach peace and tolerance. We cannot have an excess of that,” he added.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting freedom of worship, noting that Nigeria’s religious diversity should be viewed as a source of strength rather than division.

“As you may be aware, my wife is a pastor at an evangelical church. This downplays the religious connotation that the religious controversy in our country might have taken,” he said.

On security, the president said the military has recorded significant gains against criminal and terrorist groups, while emphasising that his administration is investing more resources in intelligence gathering, surveillance and operations, particularly in previously ungoverned areas.

He also disclosed that the government is expanding youth-focused programmes aimed at reducing unemployment and preventing young people from being recruited by extremist groups.

Speaking during the meeting, Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.

He described Nigeria as strategically important to the Catholic Church because of its vibrant Catholic population and acknowledged the country’s growing influence on the African continent.

The Vatican envoy conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation to Tinubu for attending his inauguration and commended the progress recorded by Veritas University in Abuja.

Gallagher also praised the president’s efforts to promote peace and security, encouraging the government to sustain its commitment to stability while expressing gratitude for Nigeria’s support to the Catholic Church, including the facilitation of visas for bishops and responsiveness to the Church’s needs.

He further informed the president that the Holy See looks forward to receiving Nigeria’s ambassador in the coming weeks, adding that his visit would be the first of several high-level engagements between the Vatican and Nigeria.