Tinubu Meets Pope Leo XIV During Inauguration Mass in Rome
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday met with the newly installed head of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, during the official inauguration mass held at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
The brief but symbolic meeting occurred shortly after the mass, where Pope Leo XIV greeted several global leaders. President Tinubu exchanged a handshake and a short conversation with the pontiff before moving on.
Among other high-profile figures who greeted the new pope were U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Tinubu’s attendance at the ceremony highlighted Nigeria’s continued diplomatic ties with the Vatican. The installation marks the formal beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, following the retirement of his predecessor.
In his inaugural homily, Pope Leo XIV called on world leaders and the global community to address climate change, protect vulnerable populations, and end systemic exploitation. He urged the Catholic Church to become a force for unity, compassion, and justice in a deeply divided world.
Pope Leo XIV, an American pontiff, is the first from the United States to lead the global Catholic Church. His message during the inauguration emphasized environmental stewardship and inclusivity, signaling the direction his papacy intends to take.
