President Tinubu Arrives in Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration Mass
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu Attends Historic Vatican Ceremony
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Rome, Italy, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM local time to attend the solemn mass marking the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Bishop of Rome and leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Video credit to: News Agency of Nigeria
Key Details of the Visit
The inauguration mass is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. Tinubu was personally invited by Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the significance of the Nigerian leader’s presence during this pivotal moment for the Catholic Church.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that Tinubu was received at Mario De Bernardi Military Airport by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, alongside Vatican and Nigerian Embassy officials.
Pope Leo XIV’s Connection to Nigeria
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, delivered the invitation, noting Pope Leo XIV’s fondness for Nigeria. The Pope previously served at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s, strengthening his ties to the country.
Nigerian Delegation Includes Prominent Catholic Leaders
Tinubu’s delegation features key figures from Nigeria’s Catholic community:
- Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria
- Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja
- Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos
- Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese
About Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on May 8, 27 days after the passing of Pope Francis. He is the first American-born pope and the first Augustinian to lead the Catholic Church.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20, concluding his historic visit to the Vatican.
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