Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, arrived in the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 2 July to take part in celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the country, and concluded his visit on Tuesday, 7 July.

The West African nation is home to more than 30 million Catholics and over 10,000 Catholic priests, while continuing to face significant internal security challenges.

During the visit, as reported by the Secretariat of State’s official X account, @TerzaLoggia, Archbishop Gallagher met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

Also present were Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu and ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray.

Following the meeting, President Tinubu told local media that he had reaffirmed the government’s commitment to giving priority to interreligious dialogue and to promoting peace, harmony, and tolerance among the country’s different religious communities.

The Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations also celebrated Mass on Sunday morning at the Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of Nigeria in Garki, Abuja, in thanksgiving for 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Nigeria.

Vatican News

By Michael Lim

The Vatican on Tuesday stressed a long-standing rule that only an ordained priest or ​deacon can give a sermon at a Catholic mass, ‌turning down German bishops’ proposal to broaden the practice and allow sermons by women or other laypeople.

Responding to the request, a release from the Vatican insisted that “The current discipline cannot be dispensed ​from,” said the Vatican’s Dicastery for ​Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, ⁠ which oversees worship by the world’s over 1.4 billion Catholics.

Catholic ​masses include a sermon, where a priest or a deacon ​offers a reflection on the day’s Bible readings. The German bishops’ conference had asked earlier this year for permission for laypeople to also offer ​sermons.

Sources indicate the German request echoed sentiments from many bishops in ​the U.S. and other European countries, who say many laypeople are as ‌capable ⁠of preaching as priests. They often cite a desire to hear sermons from women, who cannot be ordained in the Catholic Church.

The Vatican did not provide its full response to the German ​bishops, only ​a press release ⁠summarizing its decision.

“The reservation of the homily to a priest or deacons is not a ​merely disciplinary norm but derives from the very ​nature ⁠of the liturgy,” the release said.

The Catholic Church teaches that during a mass, a priest acts “in persona Christi” (in the person of ⁠Christ), ​and it is God who acts ​through the priest during worship.

Laypeople are allowed to give sermons at prayer services ​outside of a mass

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said in view of the current economic crunch in Nigeria, leaders must not be loud, but be  restraint, have empathy and be focused on the common good of the people.

In a statement issued by Archbishop Daniel Okoh,President,CAN, in commemoration of Palm Sunday in Abuja.

The CAN President, lamented about the state of the nation, saying families are feeling the weight of time, cost of living is rising and normal daily lives is getting harder for families.

He said food cost is rising, transportation is high and for many Nigerians is how to stay afloat. 
He said it is at this time leaders must make decisions that would ease the pain and burdens of Nigerians.

The statement reads, “As we observe Palm Sunday, we remember a powerful moment. Jesus entered Jerusalem with calm resolve, at a time of uncertainty and expectation. It was not a show of force, but a message of peace, purpose, and hope. In a tense atmosphere, he chose humility; riding on a colt, not in the trappings of power. That choice still speaks to us today.

“Across Nigeria, many are feeling the weight of the times. The cost of living is rising. For countless families, daily life is getting harder. Events far beyond our borders; especially tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, are unsettling global energy markets.

The impact is already here. Fuel is more expensive. Transport costs are rising. Food prices are climbing. In moments like this, the calm and clarity of Palm Sunday matter even more.

“For many Nigerians, the concern is simple and immediate: how to cope, how to plan, how to stay afloat. When life feels this uncertain, the tone of national life matters. Words carry weight. Actions have consequences. Palm Sunday reminds us that in tense moments, people need reassurance. They need stability.

They need the quiet confidence that those in positions of responsibility understand what they are going through.

“That is why the lesson of Palm Sunday matters for leadership. True leadership is not always loud. It is seen in restraint, in empathy, and in a steady focus on the common good. It is reflected in decisions that ease burdens, calm anxieties, and bring people together. This is a time for such wisdom”.

The CAN boss, therefore urged all Christians in Nigeria, to stand firm on faith, stand together and in peace.

“For the Church and all people of faith, Palm Sunday is also a call to responsibility. It reminds us of a rare moment when people from all walks of life came together with one purpose: to welcome the Messiah in hope, humility, and expectation. That same spirit is needed now.

We must stand for peace. We must strengthen unity. We must support one another. In a season that can easily tilt towards tension, we must remain a steady source of light and hope.

“And to every Nigerian, especially the young and those feeling the strain most deeply, do not lose hope. The challenges are real, but they are not the end of the story.

“As we journey through this sacred season, may the spirit of Palm Sunday guide us towards quiet courage, shared purpose, and a renewed commitment to the good of all”, he urged.