The possibility of a historic papal visit to Nigeria has once again been raised with the news that the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, and indicated that the Pope can visit Nigeria in the future.
Photo credit: State House Abuja
After the meeting, Archbishop Crotty revealed that plans are underway for a possible visit by the Pope but have not yet been set “but that’s not set in stone yet.”
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The Nigerian country was among the world’s largest Catholic population and vital voice in the African continent, the Holy Father has expressed interest on enhancing the relationship between the Vatican and the country, he added.
According to the Vatican envoy, during his meetings with the Nigerian President, he discussed issues of promoting peace, unity, inter-faith harmony and greater cooperation between Nigeria and the Holy See. He also praised efforts implemented to promote dialogue among religions and humanitarian activities throughout the nation.
The Vatican had also expressed interest in continuing its dialogue with Nigeria and the President welcomed that, confirming that his administration “will continue to do whatever is necessary to ensure the right to religious freedom and ease co-existence with a strong role in their diplomatic relations with the Holy See”.
Photo credit: State House Abuja
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The President thanked the Vatican for its major achievements in education, health and humanitarian works, carried out by the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
If the engagement comes to fruition, it will be the first papal visit to Nigeria since that of Pope John Paul II in 1998. A visit of this significance to Nigeria would be regarded as a good development in the Catholic community as it might further boost the call for peace, reconciliation and national unity in the country.
Archbishop Crotty said they “must await the Pope’s traveling schedule and continue consultations between him and officials in Nigeria about any future visit.
