President Tinubu to Attend Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration in Vatican

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja for Rome, Italy, on Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church.

In a statement released Thursday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that Tinubu will be accompanied by several prominent Catholic leaders as he participates in a solemn Mass marking the start of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. The new Pope becomes the 267th Bishop of Rome.

The invitation, extended by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, emphasized the significance of Tinubu’s presence at this critical moment for the Church and a world facing widespread conflict and tension. The Pope also expressed a personal connection to Nigeria, recalling his time working in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.

Tinubu’s delegation includes Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji (President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria), Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected by the Conclave of Cardinals 27 days after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21. His official installation will take place on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.