President Bola Tinubu will attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, Italy, on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Furthermore, the president’s attendance is at the invitation of the Vatican. The Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected 27 days after the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
Significance of the Visit
The visit highlights the strong relationship between Nigeria and the Vatican, which has always had a cordial relationship. Subsequently, necessitating Pope Leo XIV expressing his desire for President Tinubu’s physical presence, especially from a friendly nation. Furthermore, “at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts.” In addition, the Pope also recalled his time in Nigeria, stating the experience was. Lastly, he said, “Your great nation is particularly dear to me, as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.”
President Tinubu’s Entourage
President Tinubu will be accompanied by top Catholic leaders, including:
- Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria
- Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja
- Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos
- Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto
- Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony will take place at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican and will feature various symbols and rituals. In particular, the ceremony will be including:
- Papal Tiara: a golden crown composed of three overlapping crowns, symbolizing spiritual, temporal, and supreme power
- Pallium: a strip of white wool with five red embroidered crosses, symbolizing pastoral mission and communion with the universal church
- Fisherman’s Ring: a symbol of the Pope’s apostolic mission, representing the link with St. Peter
Other World Leaders in Attendance
Other notable world leaders expected to attend the inauguration include:
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
- UK’s Prince Edward
- Spanish Royals
- US Vice President JD Vance
- Argentine President Javier Milei
- Israeli President Isaac Herzog
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Senator Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State
The inauguration ceremony marks an important moment for the Catholic Church, and President Tinubu’s attendance demonstrates the strong ties between Nigeria and the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV’s Background
Pope Leo XIV was formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, elected 27 days after Pope Francis’ passing. Additionally, his willpower is to confront the evil that is ravaging the world and possibly halt the persecution of Christians.
Significance of the Visit
The visit highlights the strong relationship between Nigeria and the Vatican. As a result, the new pontiff wishes to escalate the relationship further for the good of humanity. In other words, global peace must not be compromised.
President Tinubu’s Schedule
President Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday and return on Tuesday, May 20. In the same way, he will use the opportunity to meet with other world leaders.
Conclusion
The invitation of President Bola Tinubu to the Vatican among other world leaders is heartwarming. Furthermore, this invitation is apt and therefore will boost Nigeria’s image among the committee of nations. Otherwise, a non-invitation would have spelt doom and created a savage image of the country as one that has religious intolerance.
