By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with the Holy See, pledging deeper collaboration in peacebuilding, humanitarian action, education, healthcare, youth development and environmental sustainability.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the commitment while delivering remarks at the commemoration of the first anniversary of the election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
The minister congratulated Pope Leo XIV on the first anniversary of his election, describing his leadership as one marked by humility, compassion and an unwavering commitment to peace, justice, dialogue and the dignity of every human person.
She said the Pope’s message of hope and solidarity continues to inspire millions across the world at a time when global challenges require greater understanding, reconciliation and cooperation.
Reflecting on the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the partnership, established in 1976, has been built on shared values of peace, human dignity, social justice, respect for fundamental freedoms, interfaith dialogue and the promotion of the common good.
According to her, the Holy See has remained a valued partner in advancing humanitarian causes, education, healthcare, peacebuilding and moral leadership globally, while the Catholic Church has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s national development through investments in education, healthcare, social welfare and community development that have benefited millions of Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding relationship, stating that the country’s foreign policy objectives align closely with the Holy See’s support for peaceful coexistence, conflict resolution, religious harmony and sustainable human development.
“As we mark this golden jubilee, we reaffirm our resolve to deepen collaboration with the Holy See in areas of mutual interest, particularly peacebuilding, humanitarian action, youth development, education, healthcare, environmental stewardship and the promotion of shared human values,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed optimism that the enduring friendship between Nigeria and the Holy See would continue to flourish, while commending all those who have contributed to the success of the bilateral relationship over the past five decades.
