By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday, May 18, 2025, attended the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, joining other world leaders and dignitaries for the solemn ceremony.
The event marked the official commencement of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, with over 200,000 people in attendance, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
After the ceremony, President Tinubu had a brief interaction with the newly inaugurated pope. The two leaders shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, a gesture that underscored the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the Vatican.
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Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American-born and second Latin American pope. In his inaugural message, he emphasized unity, peace, and inclusivity, calling for cooperation in addressing global conflicts, including the ongoing crises in Gaza and Ukraine.
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President Tinubu’s presence at the Vatican reflects Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, global cooperation, and peacebuilding. He expressed appreciation for the Vatican’s long-standing goodwill and reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to promote religious tolerance and mutual understanding in the global community.
