President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Rome, Italy, to participate in the solemn inauguration mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and the newly appointed head of the Roman Catholic Church. The installation mass, a deeply significant event for Catholics worldwide, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 18, at the Vatican City.
President Tinubu's arrival at the Mario De Bernardo Military Airport at approximately 6:00 p.m. local time on Saturday was marked by a formal reception. He was greeted by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, representing Nigeria. Dignitaries from Vatican City and officials from the Nigerian Embassy were also present to welcome the President to Rome.
President Tinubu's presence in Rome is at the express invitation of Pope Leo XIV, conveyed through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State. The invitation underscores the importance the Vatican places on Nigeria's role in the global community, particularly during these times of considerable international challenge.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the significance of Tinubu’s attendance, noting in his message, "Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s," highlighting a personal connection he shares with Nigeria and its people. This connection further reinforces the importance of Nigeria's presence and participation in the papal inauguration.
The papal message also stressed the need for Tinubu’s physical presence "at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts." The Pope's statement acknowledged the complex geopolitical landscape and the crucial role that religious leaders and nations play in fostering peace and understanding.
Accompanying President Tinubu on this important trip are prominent leaders from Nigeria’s Catholic community. This delegation includes Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Archbishop of Owerri; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja; and Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos. Their presence signifies the solidarity of the Nigerian Catholic Church with the global Catholic community and their support for the newly installed Pope. The participation of these leading figures highlights the strong ties between Nigeria and the Vatican and underscores Nigeria's commitment to interfaith dialogue and global peace initiatives. President Tinubu's attendance and the presence of the Nigerian delegation mark a moment of unity and reflection for the nation.