Abuja: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher concluded a six day visit to Nigeria on Tuesday, July 7, after taking part in celebrations marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Nigeria.
The Archbishop, who serves as the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, arrived in Nigeria on July 2. His visit highlighted five decades of official diplomatic relations and the close cooperation that has developed between the Holy See and Nigeria in areas such as peace, religious dialogue and social development.
Nigeria is home to one of the largest Catholic communities in Africa. More than 30 million Catholics live in the country, supported by over 10,000 Catholic priests. The Church has an important presence in education, health care, humanitarian assistance and community development.
However, the country continues to face serious security challenges in different regions. Violence, armed attacks, kidnappings and tensions between communities have affected the lives of many people. Against this background, Archbishop Gallagher’s visit also drew attention to the importance of dialogue, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
During his stay, Archbishop Gallagher met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Their discussions focused on relations between the Holy See and Nigeria, as well as the importance of promoting peace and cooperation among people of different religious backgrounds.
The meeting was also attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu and Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
Following the meeting, President Tinubu said the Nigerian government remained committed to giving priority to interreligious dialogue. He also stressed the need to promote peace, harmony and tolerance among the country's different religious communities.
Religious diversity is a major part of Nigerian society, with large Christian and Muslim populations living across the country. Church leaders and government officials have repeatedly stressed that dialogue between religious communities is important for national unity and long term peace.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Archbishop Gallagher celebrated Mass on Sunday morning at the Pro Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of Nigeria in Garki, Abuja. The Mass was offered in thanksgiving for the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Nigeria.
The celebration brought together the diplomatic and spiritual meaning of the anniversary. It offered an opportunity to look back at the relationship built over the past five decades while also reflecting on the challenges facing Nigerian society today.
Archbishop Gallagher's visit showed the Holy See's continued interest in strengthening its relationship with Nigeria and supporting efforts for peace and dialogue. The anniversary also served as a reminder of the role that religious communities can play in building trust, helping vulnerable people and encouraging reconciliation.
As Nigeria continues to address its security and social challenges, the message of the visit was centred on cooperation and peaceful coexistence. The 50th anniversary marked an important milestone in relations between the Holy See and Nigeria, while opening a new chapter for continued diplomatic cooperation and dialogue.