President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Rome on Saturday, May 17, 2025, to attend the solemn mass marking the commencement of the pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and new spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The installation mass will take place on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. President Tinubu joins a distinguished assembly of world leaders and dignitaries in what is considered one of the most significant religious ceremonies on the global stage.
President Tinubu’s aircraft touched down at the Mario De Bernardi Military Airport at 6:00 p.m. local time. He was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Her Excellency Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; senior Nigerian Embassy officials; and representatives of the Vatican City State.
The President is in Rome at the invitation of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, conveyed through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State. In the invitation, the Pope highlighted the importance of President Tinubu’s presence “at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts.”
Pope Leo XIV also recalled his personal connection to Nigeria, having served in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. “Your great nation is particularly dear to me,” the Pope remarked, underscoring his fond memories and appreciation for Nigeria’s people and culture.
Accompanying President Tinubu are leading figures of the Nigerian Catholic Church, including: Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN); Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja; Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos; and
Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese.
The President’s attendance at the papal inauguration affirms Nigeria’s commitment to fostering religious harmony, promoting global peace, and strengthening diplomatic relations with the Holy See.