President Bola Tinubu arrived in Rome on Saturday evening to attend the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, at the invitation of the Vatican.
He was received by senior Nigerian government officials stationed in Europe upon touching down at the Military Airport.
His visit comes at the invitation of the Vatican, following the recent election of Pope Leo XIV by the College of Cardinals, making him the 267th Pontiff and Bishop of Rome.
The Presidency confirmed the president’s trip in a statement on Thursday, describing the visit as part of Nigeria’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with the Holy See.
The Vatican, in its formal invitation, emphasized the significance of President Tinubu’s presence at a time of global unrest and spiritual reflection.
In a personal message sent to President Tinubu, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin conveyed the Pope’s deep appreciation for Nigeria’s participation.
“Your great nation is particularly dear to me, as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s,” he added.
Tinubu is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the 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 marks the beginning of a new papal era and is expected to draw dignitaries from across the globe, reflecting the global significance of the Catholic Church’s leadership transition.
The President’s attendance at the inauguration mass underscores Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, religious diplomacy, and global peace efforts.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu is expected back in the country on Tuesday, following the historic event that marks the beginning of a new papal era.
“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, recalling his fond memories of Nigeria.
