Tinubu to Holy See: We’ll Continue to Prioritise Interfaith Dialogue for Peace, Tolerance to Reign

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration's dedication to prioritizing interfaith dialogue, aiming to foster peace, harmony, and tolerance among Nigeria's diverse religious communities. Speaking in Abuja while receiving Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, Tinubu emphasized the ongoing efforts to promote religious accord.

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My administration will continue to work on religious harmony among all faiths.

"My administration will continue to work on religious harmony among all faiths," Tinubu stated, urging religious leaders to persist in preaching peace and tolerance. He identified interfaith dialogue as the sole pathway to resolving the nation's security challenges. The president recalled his strong, cordial relationship with the Catholic Church, particularly during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, and acknowledged its significant contributions to education and healthcare. This belief, he noted, led him to prioritize returning mission schools to religious institutions after they were taken over by previous military administrations.

Tinubu expressed his appreciation for Pope Leo XIV, recalling his honor in leading the Nigerian delegation to the Pope's inauguration and recognizing the Pope's global efforts towards world peace. He highlighted the vital role of the Catholic Church in expanding education, health, and humanitarian services within Nigeria, emphasizing the country's benefit from these initiatives. He also pointed to his wife's role as a pastor in an evangelical church as evidence of his government's commitment to religious freedom, aiming to downplay religious controversies.

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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.

Furthermore, President Tinubu assured Archbishop Gallagher of the Nigerian military's recent significant progress and commitment to sustaining these achievements, despite the potential for single incidents to undermine past gains. He detailed increased resource allocation to security, enhanced surveillance, especially in previously ungoverned areas, and investments in youth programs designed to prevent exploitation by terrorists and reduce vulnerability to radicalization. Archbishop Gallagher noted his visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, underscoring Nigeria's strategic importance to the Catholic Church due to its vibrant Christian population.

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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.