Some of Pope Leo's Past Visits to Nigeria

A research note documenting at least nine visits to Nigeria by Pope Leo XIV before his election, the basis of press reports in May 2025.

Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh

May 10, 2025 · 1 min read

Compiled soon after the election of Pope Leo XIV in May 2025.

As a senior Augustinian, the future pope visited Nigeria at least nine times between 2001 and 2016.
Visits recorded in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008 (twice), 2010, 2012 and 2016.
He carried out visits to Augustinian communities in cities including Lagos, Jos, Kaduna, Benin and Abuja.
Those who met him remember a simple, fatherly man and an attentive listener.

This is a summary. Read the full text on Nigeria Catholic Network.

Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh Priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, ordained in 1992, with a PhD in Media and Communication Studies. National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria from 2020; founder of the Center for Media Development, the Nigeria Catholic Network and the Nigeria Catholic Communications Week (ComWEEK).