President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined leaders from around the world in Vatican City on Sunday for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, marking a significant diplomatic and religious milestone for both the Catholic Church and Nigeria.
The ceremony, held at St. Peter’s Square, officially launched the papacy of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome, following the passing of Pope Francis. The new Pontiff, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has longstanding ties to Nigeria, having served in the Lagos Apostolic Nunciature during the 1980s.
Although a Muslim, President Tinubu’s invitation by Pope Leo XIV underscored the strong ties between the Nigerian leader and the Holy Father. The President’s attendance symbolized his administration’s commitment to fostering religious harmony and unity in Nigeria, a nation known for its cultural and religious diversity.
Following the inauguration ceremony, Tinubu spoke about the significance of his presence, emphasizing that it highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing journey toward unity through its diversity. He acknowledged that while the country had made progress, there was still more work to be done in harnessing its diversity for the greater good of the nation and continent.
In a lighter moment during the event, Tinubu had a casual exchange with Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi. The two political figures approached Tinubu, and after a brief interaction, they shared a laugh about the President’s role as the head of the Nigerian delegation at the Vatican. This spontaneous moment further reinforced the spirit of camaraderie among Nigerian leaders, despite political differences.
Later, President Tinubu met with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by Archbishop Lucius Ugorji. During this meeting, the President reiterated the importance of transforming Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength. He highlighted that when the nation embraces its differences, it can achieve greater national stability and prosperity.
The bishops expressed their gratitude to Tinubu for his ongoing support of the Catholic Church, particularly his participation in both the funeral of Pope Francis and the installation of Pope Leo XIV. They also expressed a desire for closer collaboration between the Church and the Nigerian government moving forward.
Other members of the Nigerian clergy present at the meeting included Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Tinubu’s delegation also featured key government officials, including Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. She highlighted that the President’s presence at such a significant Catholic event, despite being a Muslim, was a powerful statement of inclusivity and interfaith peace.
Senior aides to the President also praised his efforts to promote unity and tolerance within Nigeria. They noted that Tinubu’s inclusive leadership is reflected in the makeup of his cabinet, where over 60% of ministers are Christians. This composition is seen as evidence of the administration’s commitment to religious harmony.
Ademola Oshodi, the President’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, also remarked that the trip to the Vatican challenged negative perceptions of Nigeria as a country divided along religious lines, emphasizing that the visit showcased Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith cooperation.
President Tinubu is scheduled to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, May 20, following his visit to the Vatican.
