By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh
The Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, on Thursday, 30 January
2025, was formally received as the Ambassador of Pope Francis to Nigeria by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At the significant and colourful diplomatic occasion, which took place at the State House in Abuja, Archbishop Crotty presented his Letter of Credence to the President of Nigeria, along with three other ambassadors: the High Commissioners of Canada and Sierra Leone and the Ambassador of Ethiopia.
During a warm and cordial exchange with the President, the Apostolic Nuncio conveyed the greetings of His Holiness, Pope Francis, to the President and the assurances of the Holy Fatherโs prayers for the President and for all the people of Nigeria. 
In his response, President Tinubu expressed his warm appreciation for the contributions of the Catholic Church to Nigeria, particularly in the area of education.
A Letter of Credence is the formal diplomatic document by which a Head of State accredits an Ambassador to another Head of State. The Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria is the representative/ambassador of the Pope who is recognised in international diplomatic law as a Head of State, being the Head of the Holy See, the Supreme authority of the Catholic Church
Leave feedback about this