A Nigerian Catholic lay initiative has issued a public appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the Federal Government to formally acknowledge the historical contributions and sacrifices of Catholic missionaries in Nigeria while recognizing instances of injustice, neglect, and the loss of missionary-owned institutions.

The appeal, titled "A Call for Truth, Gratitude and Reconciliation," was released by Yes Catholic Hangout as a synodal invitation addressed to the President and "all people of goodwill." Rather than seeking restitution or confrontation, the organization presents its proposal as a pathway toward national healing rooted in truth, gratitude, and dialogue.

"We believe acknowledging this debt of gratitude is a necessary step toward national healing and a more just and peaceful Nigeria," the appeal states. It invites government leaders, religious communities, and citizens to work together in building a future shaped by reconciliation rather than resentment.

Inspired by Pope Leo XIV Vision

The initiative draws inspiration from Pope Francis's Apostolic Letter Magnifica Humanitas, issued in 2021 to mark the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines.

In that letter, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the heroic witness of missionaries who left their homes to proclaim the Gospel, establish schools and hospitals, and care for the poor, often at great personal sacrifice. He encouraged the Church to remember their service with gratitude and humility.

Yes Catholic Hangout believes that this same spirit of grateful remembrance should extend to Nigeria, where generations of Catholic missionaries made lasting contributions to education, healthcare, pastoral ministry, and social development.

Across the country, missionaries founded schools, seminaries, hospitals, and charitable institutions that continue to shape countless lives. According to the organization, this legacy should be regarded as a shared national heritage rather than a foreign enterprise.

"Missionaries established academies, healthcare institutions, and communities that transformed lives and contributed significantly to our nation's development," the appeal notes.

A Call Rooted in Reconciliation

The appeal comes at a time when Nigeria continues to confront economic hardship, insecurity, and social challenges that place increasing pressure on national cohesion.

Against this backdrop, Yes Catholic Hangout emphasizes that its proposal is not intended to reopen old wounds but to promote healing.

"We seek not revenge, but correction. We seek not division, but dialogue. We seek a Nigeria where truth is honoured and fraternity prevails."

The organization argues that acknowledging painful chapters of history is a mark of national maturity. Rather than diminishing Nigeria's achievements, it believes such recognition would demonstrate a commitment to justice, humility, and reconciliation.

Mission Schools and the National Conversation

The appeal also touches on the long-standing question of mission schools and Church-owned institutions acquired by government authorities.

The issue has featured prominently in recent discussions between the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and President Tinubu. During meetings with Catholic bishops, the President acknowledged requests for the return of mission schools while explaining that such decisions largely fall within the jurisdiction of state governments. He also pointed to his record of returning several mission schools while serving as Governor of Lagos State.

For its part, the Catholic Church has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its educational and charitable heritage while continuing to advocate for religious freedom, human dignity, and quality education in service to the common good.

Magnifica Humanitas and a Culture of Encounter

Yes Catholic Hangout situates its appeal within the broader vision of Magnifica Humanitas, a Vatican-inspired initiative that promotes ethical technology, synodality, integral human development, and a culture of encounter.

Drawing inspiration from the Gospel, Catholic Social Teaching, Laudato Si', Fratelli Tutti, and Ecclesia in Africa, the initiative encourages dialogue across generations and communities while affirming that technological innovation must always remain at the service of the human person.

Its guiding principle is simple yet profound:

"Adaptation: Faithful to the Message, Flexible in the Method."

Through this vision, the movement seeks to build bridges rather than barriers, promoting fraternity instead of polarization and dialogue instead of conflict.

Looking Toward a More Hopeful Future

The appeal concludes by inviting Nigerians to see reconciliation not merely as an act of remembering the past but as a commitment to shaping a more humane future.

"Building a nation rooted in gratitude, united in love, and focused on the future."

As Nigeria continues to navigate economic reforms, security concerns, and religious diversity, Yes Catholic Hangout believes that honest historical reflection can strengthen national unity rather than weaken it.

The organization maintains that societies grow stronger when they acknowledge those whose sacrifices helped build them. In this spirit, it hopes that renewed dialogue among government leaders, faith communities, historians, and citizens will foster greater justice, deeper mutual respect, and a more hopeful future for all.

For Yes Catholic Hangout, reconciliation begins with truth, gratitude, and the courage to remember. From that foundation, it believes, a stronger and more united Nigeria can continue to emerge.