Nigerian Bishops Urge President Tinubu to Invite Pope for 50th Anniversary of Holy See Relations

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite Pope Leo XIV to Nigeria as the country prepares to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations with the Holy See.

The appeal came during a courtesy visit by the bishops to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, on July 28. Led by CBCN President Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, the delegation also held wide-ranging discussions with the president on democracy, security, the economy, religious freedom, and education.

Highlighting the upcoming diplomatic milestone, the bishops said an apostolic visit by Pope Leo XIV would be a fitting way to commemorate five decades of relations between Nigeria and the Holy See. They asked President Tinubu to extend an official invitation to the pontiff.

Expressing concern over declining public confidence in the electoral process, the bishops pointed to low voter turnout in recent elections and warned that any failure to ensure transparent, free, and credible elections in 2027 could have serious consequences for national stability.

They urged the government to provide adequate and timely funding for the Independent National Electoral Commission and to improve access to voter registration and identification systems.

On the country's economic and security situation, Archbishop Ndagoso said Nigerians continue to face severe hardship caused by persistent insecurity and economic challenges. The bishops cited rising living costs, unreliable electricity, and deteriorating infrastructure as major burdens on ordinary citizens.

While acknowledging the government's success in rescuing abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, in southwestern Nigeria, and prosecuting those responsible, they said terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and other violent crimes continue to threaten lives and livelihoods across much of the country.

Addressing religious freedom, the conference referred to a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming freedom of religion and called for its consistent implementation across the country.

They appealed for Christians, particularly in northern Nigeria, to enjoy equal rights to acquire land, build places of worship, and practice their faith without discrimination.

The bishops also raised concerns about education policy. While welcoming the federal government's Student Loan Initiative, they cautioned against measures that could restrict access to higher education, including a moratorium on establishing new private universities.

They reiterated the Church's longstanding appeal for the return of mission schools to their original proprietors.

Concluding the meeting, the bishops reaffirmed the Catholic Church's commitment to working with the government for the common good while calling for accountable leadership, justice, and lasting peace.

They assured President Tinubu of their continued prayers for Nigeria and expressed hope that the nation can overcome its current challenges through good governance, dialogue, and a shared commitment to the welfare of all its people.