Nigeria, Holy See pledge deepened ties on golden jubilee

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening diplomatic relations with the Holy See, pledging greater collaboration in peacebuilding, humanitarian action, education, healthcare and youth development as both countries marked 50 years of formal diplomatic relations.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, made the commitment on Monday during a ceremony commemorating the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV and the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Holy See.

The minister described the occasion as a celebration of two significant milestones, saying the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the Holy See has been anchored on shared values of peace, justice, human dignity and dialogue.

On behalf of the Federal Government and the Nigerian people, Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated Pope Leo XIV on the first anniversary of his election to the Chair of Saint Peter, commending his leadership and commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation across the world.

She said that over the past year, the Pontiff had continued to inspire millions through his humility, compassion and dedication to justice, dialogue and the dignity of every human person.

According to the minister, the Pope’s message of hope and solidarity is particularly relevant at a time when the world faces increasingly complex challenges requiring greater understanding, cooperation and reconciliation among nations and peoples.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that relations established in 1976 have continued to flourish through cooperation based on mutual respect and common ideals.

She said the partnership has been built on shared commitments to peace, social justice, respect for fundamental freedoms, interfaith dialogue and the promotion of the common good.

The minister also praised the Holy See for its global role in advancing humanitarian causes, education, healthcare, peacebuilding and moral leadership.

She acknowledged the significant contributions of the Catholic Church to Nigeria’s national development, particularly through investments in education, healthcare, social welfare and community development.

According to her, the Church’s interventions have positively impacted millions of Nigerians irrespective of their religious affiliation or ethnic background.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to strengthen its longstanding partnership with the Holy See, stressing that the Vatican’s consistent support for peaceful coexistence, conflict resolution, religious harmony and sustainable human development aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities.

She said the Federal Government remains committed to promoting peace, stability, dialogue and international cooperation through its engagements with international partners.

The minister said both parties would seek to deepen collaboration in key sectors including peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, youth development, education, healthcare, environmental stewardship and the promotion of shared human values.

She expressed confidence that sustained cooperation between Nigeria and the Holy See would continue to foster mutual understanding while contributing to the creation of a more peaceful, just and compassionate world.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu  congratulated Pope Leo XIV on the anniversary of his election and commended all those who have contributed to strengthening relations between Nigeria and the Holy See over the past five decades.

She expressed optimism that the friendship between both states would continue to grow stronger for generations to come.