President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has arrived in Rome, Italy, to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The ceremony, known as the “installation mass,” is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
President Tinubu’s visit follows a personal invitation from Pope Leo XIV, conveyed through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State. In the invitation, the Pope expressed his appreciation for Nigeria, recalling his time working in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s .
Upon arrival at the Mario De Bernardo Military Airport at approximately 6:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 17, President Tinubu was received by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, along with officials from the Vatican and the Nigerian Embassy .
Accompanying the President are prominent figures from Nigeria’s Catholic hierarchy, including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja; Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos; and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto .
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, USA, and holding dual citizenship with Peru, was elected as the 267th Pope on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 . His inauguration marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church, emphasizing themes of peace and unity amid global challenges .
The inauguration mass is expected to draw numerous world leaders and dignitaries, highlighting the global significance of the event .
President Tinubu’s participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international religious and diplomatic relations.
