By Ayo Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue as a critical strategy for tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, while extending a formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit the country.
The President made the declaration on Saturday while receiving Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, at his residence in Abuja.
The Vatican envoy was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, during the visit, which coincided with activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Holy See.
The Nigerian leader said sustained engagement among religious leaders and communities remained indispensable to fostering peace, national unity and social cohesion, stressing that interfaith dialogue offers the most effective response to the country’s persistent security threats.
“Interfaith dialogue is the only path to addressing the country’s security challenges,” President Tinubu said.
He noted that religious leaders have continued to play a significant role in promoting peaceful coexistence despite the country’s diverse religious landscape.
The President also used the occasion to praise Pope Leo XIV’s global advocacy for peace, recalling his attendance at the Pontiff’s inauguration at the Vatican, where he led Nigeria’s official delegation.
“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.
He appealed to Catholic bishops and other religious leaders to remain steadfast in their efforts to foster understanding, tolerance and harmony across the country.
“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.
Reflecting on his relationship with the Catholic Church, Tinubu recalled his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, when he restored mission schools to their original owners after decades of government control instituted during military rule.
According to him, the decision was driven by his confidence in the capacity of religious institutions to deliver quality education and social services.
“I understand the roles that the Catholic Church has been playing in expanding the frontiers of education, health and humanitarianism in Nigeria. It means a lot to us in Nigeria, and the country is benefiting from it,” he stated.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting freedom of worship and ensuring that every Nigerian can practise his or her faith without fear or discrimination.
“We are also doing a lot to guarantee freedom of worship. 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.
Addressing the nation’s security situation, Tinubu assured the Vatican envoy that the Armed Forces have made significant operational gains against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across various theatres of operation.
He acknowledged, however, that isolated incidents could undermine public confidence if not effectively managed, stressing that his administration remains committed to consolidating recent gains.
The President disclosed that additional resources were being channelled into the security sector to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and military capabilities, particularly in previously ungoverned areas exploited by terrorist groups.
He further explained that the government was investing heavily in youth empowerment and economic opportunities to reduce the vulnerability of young Nigerians to recruitment by extremist organisations.
Earlier, Archbishop Gallagher described Nigeria as one of the Holy See’s most important partners in Africa, citing its large Catholic population and the influential role played by Nigerian bishops within the global Church.
He said his visit was to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, while conveying Pope Leo XIV’s appreciation to President Tinubu for attending his inauguration.
The Archbishop commended the remarkable development of Veritas University in Abuja, describing it as a testament to the Catholic Church’s enduring commitment to advancing education in Nigeria.
Describing Nigeria as “the heart of Africa,” Gallagher praised the country’s vibrant Catholic community and acknowledged the significant contributions of Nigerian bishops to the growth of the Church across the continent.
He also commended President Tinubu’s efforts to promote peace through ongoing military operations against insecurity, urging the government to sustain its commitment to restoring stability nationwide.
Gallagher expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for facilitating visa processes for Catholic bishops and for maintaining constructive engagement with the Church on issues affecting its operations.
He informed the President that the Holy See looks forward to receiving Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Vatican in the coming weeks and expressed optimism that his visit would herald a new phase of stronger diplomatic and ecclesiastical relations between both states.
Also present at the meeting were Archbishop Michael F. Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, and Rev. Monsignor Suman Paul Anthony, an official of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See.
