President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined global leaders at St. Peter’s Square in Rome for the formal inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, marking a historic moment of interfaith solidarity.
The newly elected pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, assumed the papacy 27 days after the passing of Pope Francis. The solemn Mass signaled the official start of his leadership of the Catholic Church.
President Tinubu, a Muslim leader, was personally invited by Pope Leo XIV, who has longstanding ties to Nigeria, having served at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos in the 1980s. The Pope described Nigeria as a country “particularly dear” to his heart.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity among Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic groups.
“It is consistent with the true spirit of unity in diversity. I am greatly honoured. We must continue working on it—it’s a work in progress for the sake of our country and the continent,” the President said.
A notable moment came when Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi warmly interacted with the President. Fayemi joked, “Mr. President, welcome to our church,” to which Tinubu quipped, “I should be the one welcoming you. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation,” prompting shared laughter.
After the event, President Tinubu met with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). He urged Nigerians to harness their diversity for collective prosperity.
“If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress,” he said.
Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of CBCN, thanked Tinubu for supporting the Church’s participation in both the funeral of Pope Francis and the installation of his successor.
“You are always there for us. Now that you’ve come to the Vatican, we look forward to hosting you at our conference in Nigeria,” Ugorji said.
Other notable clergy in attendance included Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama (Abuja), Archbishop Alfred Martins (Lagos), and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (Sokoto).
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said Tinubu’s presence at the Vatican was a powerful statement of interfaith unity.
“This reflects deep solidarity across faith lines and demonstrates his commitment to peace—not just in Africa, but globally,” she said.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga highlighted Tinubu’s inclusive cabinet, noting that 62% of his appointees are Christians.
“This sends a clear message: whether Christian or Muslim, we all worship the same God,” he said.
Ademola Oshodi, Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, added that the visit challenges global perceptions of religious intolerance in Nigeria.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
