President reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to peace, global religious diplomacy
By Our Foreign Affairs Correspondent
Rome Italy – 17, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Rome on Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The official mass, scheduled for Sunday, May 18, is attracting global leaders amid growing calls for unity and peace across regions marked by conflict and religious tensions.
Tinubu was received at the Mario De Bernardo Military Airport by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, alongside Vatican and Nigerian embassy officials.
The President’s attendance follows an invitation by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, who highlighted Nigeria’s growing diplomatic influence and religious diversity.
In a personal note to Tinubu, Pope Leo XIV — who served in Lagos during the 1980s — expressed a strong connection to Nigeria. “Your great nation is particularly dear to me,” he wrote.
Tinubu is accompanied by top Catholic leaders from Nigeria, including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop Alfred Martins, and Bishop Matthew Kukah.
Presidency sources say the visit reflects Nigeria’s support for global peace and its commitment to interfaith dialogue.
The delegation is expected back in Nigeria on Tuesday, May 20.
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