President Bola Tinubu joined world leaders at the Vatican City on Sunday for the inauguration mass of the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV. The solemn ceremony marked the beginning of a new papal era, attended by dignitaries from across the globe.
President Tinubu, who arrived in Rome a day prior, congratulated the new Pope on his ascension and described his participation in the occasion as a “deep honour.” Speaking to the press after the mass, the Nigerian leader emphasised the significance of unity in diversity.
Ahead of the inauguration, President Tinubu was hosted to dinner by the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Describing their conversation as “warm and fraternal,” the president said the dialogue focused on shared values including peace, mutual respect, and global solidarity.
During his visit, President Tinubu also met with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to embrace their differences as a source of strength, not division.
