Archbishop Gallagher makes Nigeria visit marking 50 years of diplomatic ties

July 8, 2026 · 1 min read

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, was in Nigeria from 2 to 7 July to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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Source: Vatican News · Read the full story →

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Gabriela GheorghiuA good visit at the right time. 50 years of diplomatic relations is not small, especially when Nigeria is going through so many security and economic challenges. I wonder if he also discussed the plight of northern Christians in official meetings.

Juraj HorváthYes, 50 years of diplomacy is a decent milestone. I wonder if Gallagher has spoken openly about the attacks on Christians in the north, because things are getting worse there. Otherwise, it's nice that you timed it right now.

Тетяна МарченкоYes, 50 years is a solid term. I wonder if the archbishop touched on the topic of attacks on Christians in the north, because it is really getting more difficult there. It is good that the visit is now.

Мариана ИвановаYes, 50 years is not a little. I wonder if he was talking about the Christians in the north, because there the attacks continue. Good thing he's gone now.

Anna ŠimkováYes, 50 years is a nice milestone, but the attacks in the north really bother me. I read that Gallagher discussed this privately with the local bishops, but publicly it was more careful not to further inflame the situation. I wonder if anything will actually come of it.

Десислава ИлиеваYes, 50 years is a serious term, especially in such a large and difficult country. I wonder if he spoke about the Christians in the north to the government as well, or just to the bishops. Good thing he's gone now.

Piotr WiśniewskiYes, 50 years is a solid long time, especially in a country like Nigeria. I wonder if Gallagher brought up the topic of attacks on Christians in the north during these official meetings, because from what I read, the situation there is not improving. It's good that he went now.

Natalia WiśniewskaYes, 50 years is indeed a long time, especially since Nigeria has so many internal tensions. From what I've heard from missionary friends, attacks on Christian villages still happen in the north, so I hope Gallagher at least mentioned it subtly. And where do you get this information from, specific reports?

Теодора ПетроваYes, at this very moment the visit is important. I heard that in Kaduna and Borno there were again attacks on villages with Christians, including children. I wonder if he raised the issue with the authorities, or if they only talked about the anniversary.

Petra KováčováYes, there are really many attacks in the north, and one wonders why it is taking so long. Gallagher probably had to be careful in public, but it's good that at least he discussed it with the bishops. I wonder if at least something has changed in the security measures in those areas after that visit.

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