President Bola Tinubu joined global leaders at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City yesterday for the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV, marking the official start of the new pontiff’s reign. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected 27 days after the passing of Pope Francis, becoming the 267th Bishop of Rome.
Tinubu, a Muslim, attended the event at the Pope’s invitation, highlighting the pontiff’s special connection to Nigeria, where he served in Lagos during the 1980s. Following the Mass, Tinubu emphasized his commitment to national unity, stating, “It is consistent in the true sense of unity in diversity, and I am greatly honoured.”
A notable moment occurred when Tinubu shared a lighthearted exchange with opposition figures Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi. Fayemi initiated the encounter, jokingly welcoming Tinubu to “our church,” to which Tinubu responded with humor, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.” This interaction underscored the event’s significance as a platform for fostering national cohesion.
Later, Tinubu met with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), urging the nation to leverage its diversity for progress. “If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress,” he stated. Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, leading the CBCN delegation, expressed gratitude for the President’s support and anticipated stronger ties between the Catholic Church and the Nigerian government.
Presidential aides highlighted Tinubu’s presence as a symbol of religious tolerance and interfaith harmony. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, emphasized the President’s “deep solidarity across faith lines” and his commitment to global peace. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, asserted that the visit challenged stereotypes about religious intolerance in Nigeria, showcasing the nation’s dedication to religious freedom and inclusion.
President Tinubu is scheduled to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20th.
