Tinubu Returns from Rome After Attending Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived back in Abuja on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, after participating in the historic inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church. Upon landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Tinubu was warmly welcomed by top government officials, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

Tinubu had departed the country on Saturday, May 17, following an official invitation from the Vatican to attend the inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, marking the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. The new pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—an American and Augustinian priest—was elected on May 8, succeeding the late Pope Francis. Significantly, Pope Leo XIV has personal ties to Nigeria, having served in Lagos during the 1980s. He referred to Nigeria as “particularly dear” to him, highlighting the importance of Tinubu’s attendance.

During his visit, President Tinubu was hosted at a formal dinner by the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. At the event, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to promoting interfaith dialogue, peace, and global cooperation. He also held a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, who expressed gratitude for the government’s role in ensuring their participation at both the burial of Pope Francis and the inauguration of his successor.

A lighter moment occurred during the inauguration Mass when Tinubu shared a friendly exchange with political rival Peter Obi and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi. Fayemi joked, “Mr. President, welcome to our church,” prompting Tinubu to respond with a smile, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation,” drawing laughter from Obi and others nearby.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Tinubu described his presence at the Vatican as a major honor and emphasized Nigeria’s ongoing journey toward national unity. He echoed the message of Pope Leo XIV, who in his homily condemned environmental destruction and social inequality, calling for a world more centered on compassion and justice—principles Tinubu said align with his vision for an inclusive and equitable Nigeria.

The Nigerian delegation included several high-ranking Catholic leaders such as Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the rapidly growing Catholic population in Nigeria as a key reason behind the Vatican’s invitation to the president.

Tinubu’s return signals a renewed commitment to fostering religious harmony and utilizing Nigeria’s rich diversity as a foundation for national development, even as the country continues to address pressing socio-economic challenges.