ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, as Nigeria and the Holy See prepare to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
The high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa forms part of commemorative activities leading to the golden jubilee of bilateral ties between Nigeria and the Vatican.
“This visit is part of the commemorative engagements with church and government ahead of the 50th anniversary of Nigeria–Holy See diplomatic relations,” officials said.
Nigeria maintains one of the largest Catholic populations in Africa, with over 30 million faithful, more than 10,000 priests, and the highest number of Catholic bishops on the continent, underscoring the depth of its relationship with the Holy See.
During his visit, Archbishop Gallagher is expected to tour educational institutions run in partnership with the Catholic Church and engage community leaders and stakeholders on interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
“The visit is very significant as it highlights the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the Holy See,” the statement added.
A commemorative reception and the unveiling of a golden anniversary plaque are scheduled for Monday, July 6, as part of activities marking the milestone.
The engagement reflects ongoing collaboration between both parties in areas of education, peacebuilding, and religious harmony, particularly in a country as religiously diverse as Nigeria.
