In a brief but symbolic exchange that highlighted the friendly ties between Nigeria and the Vatican, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria was among world leaders who attended Pope Leo XIV’s installation Mass at the Vatican on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The event, which took place at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, drew dignitaries and followers from all over the world as the new pope formally took over as head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Tinubu had depart Abuja for Rome, on Saturday at the invitation of Pope Leo XIV.
He was accompanied by top Catholic leaders.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga had said Tinubu would attend a solemn mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Tinubu’s entourage included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Archbishop of Owerri and President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Alfred Martins of Lagos.
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, was also in the president’s entourage.
The Conclave of Cardinals elected him 27 days after his predecessor, Pope Francis, died on April 21.
Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
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