President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Rome, Italy, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, to participate in the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
President Tinubu’s attendance underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and global peace. He is accompanied by prominent figures from the Nigerian Catholic Church, including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Archbishop of Owerri; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja; Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos; and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese.
The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, marks a historic moment as he becomes the first American-born pope and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. At 69, Pope Leo XIV brings a wealth of experience from his missionary work in Peru and his tenure as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His papacy follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
The ceremony is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees, including global leaders and dignitaries. Notable figures such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and various European royalty will be present. The event serves as both a religious milestone and a platform for international diplomacy.
Pope Leo XIV has emphasized themes of global peace and unity in his early messages, signaling a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through dialogue and compassion. His inauguration is seen as a beacon of hope for many around the world.
President Tinubu’s participation in the ceremony highlights Nigeria’s role on the global stage and its dedication to promoting harmony among diverse religious and cultural communities.
