President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Rome, Italy, to attend the solemn mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV.
The President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, announced Tinubu’s arrival on Saturday.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu was received at the Mario De Bernardo Military Airport by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and officials from Vatican City and the Nigerian Embassy.
Tinubu’s plane touched down at 6:00 p.m. local time.
The President’s trip to Rome was in response to an invitation from the new Pope, conveyed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.
The invitation highlighted the importance of Tinubu’s physical presence “at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts.”
Pope Leo XIV also expressed his affection for Nigeria, stating, “Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.”
The installation mass of the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church would take place on Sunday, May 18.
President Tinubu’s entourage includes several prominent Catholic clerics, such as Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah.
The President’s presence at the inauguration underscores the significance of the event and the strong ties between Nigeria and the Vatican.
The Pope’s invitation to Tinubu reflects the importance of international diplomacy and cooperation.
As the leader of a nation with a significant Catholic population, Tinubu’s attendance at the inauguration demonstrates respect for the Catholic Church and its leadership.
The event is expected to bring together world leaders and Catholic faithful to celebrate the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.
Tinubu’s participation will likely strengthen ties between Nigeria and the Vatican, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.
As the President attends the inauguration, he will be representing Nigeria on the global stage, fostering goodwill and diplomatic relations with the Catholic Church and its leaders.
The event will also provide an opportunity for Tinubu to engage with other world leaders, discussing issues of mutual interest and concern.
The installation mass will be a significant moment for Catholics worldwide, marking the beginning of a new era under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV.
Tinubu’s presence will underscore Nigeria’s commitment to its Christian heritage and its relationship with the global Catholic community.
