The new Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, has formally invited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend his inaugural mass in Rome, scheduled for Sunday, May 18.
According to the invitation delivered through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope expressed a special connection with Nigeria, noting that he once served in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. He said Tinubu’s presence would be important “at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts.”
A statement from the Presidency on Thursday confirmed that Tinubu would depart Abuja on Saturday, accompanied by prominent Nigerian Catholic leaders, to attend the historic mass at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
His entourage includes Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop Alfred Martins, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, among others.
Pope Leo XIV, born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, becomes the 267th Bishop of Rome following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. He was elected by the Conclave of Cardinals 27 days later.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, May 20.
