Before he became Pope, Robert Francis Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—visited Nigeria no fewer than nine times. His visits, spanning fifteen years, reflect a deep and personal connection with the Nigerian Church, particularly the Augustinian Order.
- 1. November 2001 – founding moment in Jos
- 2. August 2003 – pastoral visit as Prior General
- 3. October 2005 – community engagement in Kaduna
- 4. August 2007 – nationwide canonical visitation
- 5. May 2008 – present for the episcopal ordination in Kano
- 6. August 2008 – sustained support, pastoral visit as Prior General
- 7. August 2010 – spiritual leadership, pastoral visit as Prior General
- 8. August 2012 – pastoral visit as Prior General
- 9. September 2016 – back as Bishop of Chiclayo
Here are the nine times Pope Leo XIV has visited Nigeria
1. November 2001 – founding moment in Jos
In what would become an important moment for the Augustinians in Nigeria, the then Prior General, Robert Prevost, presided over the official erection of the Augustinian Province of Nigeria. This milestone event took place at St Monica, Jos, the Order’s provincial headquarters, just months after its approval at the Augustinian General Chapter earlier that year.
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2. August 2003 – pastoral visit as Prior General
Returning as the head of the global Augustinian Order, Prevost visited Nigeria once again to strengthen ties and provide leadership and pastoral support to the province.
3. October 2005 – community engagement in Kaduna
In October 2005, he made a notable stop at St Monica Catholic Church in Malali, Kaduna, further cementing the Order’s presence in the region.
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4. August 2007 – nationwide canonical visitation
In one of his most extensive visits, Prevost travelled across the country, reaching every location where the Augustinians were active: Lagos, Jos, Kaduna, Abuja, Agbor and more. It was a canonical visitation that allowed him to witness the Order’s growing impact across Nigeria.
5. May 2008 – present for the episcopal ordination in Kano
Returning barely a year later, he attended the episcopal ordination of bishop John Namaza Niyiring, OSA, who became the bishop of Kano. His presence underscored the significance of the moment for the Augustinian family.
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6. August 2008 – sustained support, pastoral visit as Prior General
Again visiting in August 2008, Prevost continued his pastoral engagement with the Nigerian province, showing remarkable consistency in his commitment.
7. August 2010 – spiritual leadership, pastoral visit as Prior General
By 2010, his visits had become a regular fixture. This trip reinforced the deepening bond between the Nigerian Augustinians and their global leader.
8. August 2012 – pastoral visit as Prior General
Another August visit, this time focused on leadership development and formation, laid groundwork for the future of the Order in Nigeria.
9. September 2016 – back as Bishop of Chiclayo
Although no longer Prior general, bishop Prevost returned to Nigeria in 2016 for the Augustinian Intermediate General Chapter held at DRACC in Lugbe, Abuja. Beyond meetings, he was shown key national landmarks such as Eagle’s Square and the Ecumenical Centre. The visit included Mass at St John of the Cross Catholic Church, Maraba, and concluded with a formal dinner at the KK Hotel.
