ROME – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Rome Saturday. He attended the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV, the new 267th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. This visit for the Pope inauguration shows Nigeria’s engagement with global Catholic leadership and diplomatic ties.
President Tinubu landed at Rome’s Military Airport around 5:00 p.m. local time. Nigerian officials in Europe received him.
Pope Notes Past Work in Nigeria
Pope Leo XIV sent a message to President Tinubu. “Your presence is significant at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts,” the Pope wrote.
The Pope mentioned his connection to Nigeria. He stated, “Your great nation is particularly dear to me, as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos” in the 1980s. This indicates a past diplomatic link between the new Pontiff and Nigeria.
Visit Underscores Diplomacy, Interfaith Cooperation
The Presidency stated the visit reflects Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with the Holy See. The Vatican acknowledged Tinubu’s presence. It said the event symbolized interfaith cooperation and global unity, particularly during current global unrest.
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s gratitude to President Tinubu. This reinforced Nigeria’s role in promoting religious harmony.
President Tinubu’s delegation included Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, also attended the Pope inauguration.
Global Context and Return
The inaugural mass is a key event for global Catholic leadership. Dignitaries worldwide attended. President Tinubu’s attendance demonstrates Nigeria’s active role in religious diplomacy and peace-building.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said, “This visit reaffirms Nigeria’s place in the global community of faith and diplomacy.”
President Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria on Tuesday. His Rome visit included high-level discussions on global spiritual and diplomatic priorities
By Kayode Ojo
