Tinubu to Attend Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican
President Bola Tinubu is set to travel to Rome, Italy, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, to attend the inauguration mass of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, following an invitation from the Vatican.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The inauguration mass, which will mark the formal beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City.
The invitation, extended by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of the Vatican, emphasized the significance of President Tinubu’s presence during what is described as a crucial time for the Catholic Church and the world amidst ongoing global tensions and conflicts.
In a letter addressed to the Nigerian leader, Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, reflected on his connection to Nigeria, recalling his service at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. “Your great nation is particularly dear to me,” the new pontiff noted.
President Tinubu will be joined by top Nigerian Catholic leaders including:
- Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria,
- Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja,
- Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos,
- Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Also part of the delegation is Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Pope Leo XIV was elected by the Conclave of Cardinals 27 days after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
