By Ade Iyamoye 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Rome on Saturday to attend the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The ceremony, held at St. Peter’s Square, marked the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate as the 267th Bishop of Rome.

President Tinubu’s visit was at the invitation of the Vatican, extended through Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. The invitation highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s presence at a time of global unrest and spiritual reflection.

In a personal message, Pope Leo XIV expressed his fond memories of Nigeria, recalling his service at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.

Accompanying President Tinubu were high-ranking Nigerian officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos.

The inaugural Mass was attended by numerous global dignitaries, reflecting the international significance of the event. Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, is the first American and second Latin American to lead the Catholic Church.

His election follows the death of Pope Francis in April.

President Tinubu’s participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and global peace efforts. In remarks during his visit, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to promoting tolerance and cooperation in an increasingly polarized world.

The President is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday.

By Adenike Lawal

Rapper Tory Lanez is fighting for his life after a brutal prison stabbing that left him with 14 wounds and sent him to the hospital.

The 32-year-old, who is currently serving a 10-year sentence, was attacked early Monday at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi.

Lanez was quickly treated by prison staff before being rushed to a nearby hospital. His injuries were severe, with stab wounds to his back, torso, head, and face, and both of his lungs collapsed.

Despite the life-threatening assault, Lanez is in stable condition and breathing on his own.

A statement from his team revealed that the rapper remains in good spirits and is focused on recovery.

Authorities have yet to release the identity of the attacker or the motive behind the assault, but the incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of high-profile inmates.

Lanez’s time behind bars follows his 2023 conviction for shooting rapper Megan Thee Stallion in 2020, a case that divided the hip-hop community.

As he recovers, Lanez’s supporters and critics alike continue to watch closely, as the investigation into the prison stabbing unfolds.

By Adenike Lawal

Music icon Sean “Diddy” Combs is staring down the barrel of a life sentence as his federal sex trafficking trial opened with shocking claims of abuse, manipulation, and psychological control.

Prosecutors painted a dark portrait of the hip-hop mogul, accusing him of masterminding a secret world of coercion behind the glitz of fame.

In chilling detail, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson described parties known as “freak offs” where escorts and women were allegedly forced into degrading acts.

One harrowing account alleges that Combs ordered a male escort to urinate in the mouth of singer and former partner Cassie Ventura.

Witness Daniel Phillip claimed he was paid thousands to engage in sex acts with Cassie while Combs watched or filmed, describing the atmosphere as one of fear and dominance.

The prosecution also cited a 2016 surveillance video that allegedly shows Combs violently attacking Cassie in a hotel hallway.

Combs has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers argue the relationship was consensual and toxic on both sides. Cassie is expected to testify as the trial continues.

The case, born out of a sweeping federal probe, carries severe consequences. A guilty verdict on racketeering alone could mean life in prison, with sex trafficking charges adding at least fifteen years.

The world now watches as a celebrated star battles to defend himself against claims that may dismantle the legacy he spent decades building.