President Tinubu in a handshake with Pope Leo XIV shortly after his inauguration in Rome, on Sunday 

By Ade Iyamoye 

President Bola Tinubu met briefly with Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, moments after the pontiff’s inaugural Mass.

The meeting, marked by a warm handshake and short conversation, came as the Nigerian leader joined over 150 world figures in witnessing the historic beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy.

The event drew an estimated 250,000 worshippers and dignitaries, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, made history as the first American-born pope with dual citizenship in the United States and Peru.

His message during the Mass echoed a call to unity, compassion, and defense of the marginalized.

He urged the world to renounce hatred, discrimination, and environmental abuse.

President Tinubu’s presence underscored Nigeria’s commitment to global diplomacy and interfaith dialogue, reflecting the country’s stance on peaceful religious coexistence and strategic international alliances.

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.