President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria was among global leaders who attended the installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The event, held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, attracted dignitaries and faithful from around the world as the new pontiff officially assumed leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.
During the ceremony, President was seen exchanging warm pleasantries with Pope Leo XIV, in a brief but symbolic moment that underscored the cordial relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.
Tinubu had depart Abuja for Rome, on Saturday at the invitation of Pope Leo XIV.
He was accompanied by top Catholic leaders.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga had said Tinubu would attend a solemn mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Tinubu’s entourage included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Archbishop of Owerri and President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Alfred Martins of Lagos.
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, was also in the president’s entourage.
The Conclave of Cardinals elected him 27 days after his predecessor, Pope Francis, died on April 21.
Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
