In a significant moment for Nigeria and the global Catholic community, President Bola Tinubu arrived in Rome, Italy, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. The historic event, set for Sunday, May 18, marks the formal installation of the new pontiff, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has chosen the papal name Leo XIV.
President Tinubu touched down at Rome’s Military Airport at approximately 5:00 AM local time, where he was warmly received by Nigerian dignitaries, including Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. His attendance at this momentous occasion follows a personal invitation from the Vatican, delivered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, underscoring the importance of Nigeria’s presence at a time of global challenges and the dawn of a new era for the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV, who served at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s, has expressed a deep connection to Nigeria, making Tinubu’s visit particularly symbolic. The Nigerian leader is joined by prominent Catholic figures, including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto. Their presence highlights the strong ties between Nigeria’s Catholic community and the Vatican.
The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV comes at a pivotal time, with the world grappling with tensions and conflicts. The Vatican’s invitation emphasized the need for unity and dialogue, themes that resonate with Tinubu’s leadership and Nigeria’s role on the global stage. The ceremony at St. Peter’s Square is expected to draw world leaders, religious figures, and millions of faithful, all eager to witness the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy.
President Tinubu is scheduled to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20, after fulfilling this significant diplomatic and spiritual engagement. His participation not only strengthens Nigeria’s relationship with the Vatican but also reaffirms the country’s commitment to fostering peace and collaboration on the global stage.
Stay tuned for more updates on this historic event and its implications for Nigeria and the world.
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