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.
