Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Harmony in Meeting with Vatican Envoy
The President stated this on Saturday, July 4, in Abuja, the nation’s capital city, while receiving Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See. The Vatican envoy was presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
President Tinubu said religious harmony is critical to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and national development. He recalled his long-standing relationship with the Catholic Church, dating back to his tenure as Lagos State Governor, and his support for the Church’s contributions to education and health.
“As governor, I prioritised returning mission schools to religious bodies because I believe in their role in nation building,” he said. “We must continue to preach peace and tolerance. We cannot have an excess of that.”
The President noted his administration’s efforts to guarantee freedom of worship, adding that more resources are being deployed to security, with a focus on previously ungoverned areas. He also stressed investments in youth empowerment to prevent radicalisation.
Tinubu further described Pope Leo XIV’s global peace efforts as inspiring and expressed hope of receiving the Pope in Nigeria.
Archbishop Gallagher said he was in Nigeria for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See. He described Nigeria as strategic to the Catholic Church due to its vibrant Catholic community and commended the government’s support for the Church in education, health and humanitarian work.
He also conveyed the Pope’s appreciation to President Tinubu for attending his inauguration and announced plans for more high-level visits from the Vatican.
Accompanying the Archbishop were Archbishop Michael F. Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, and other senior Vatican officials.
