President Tinubu Meets Pope Leo XIV in Rome, Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Unity and Interfaith Dialogue
Rome, May 18, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined world leaders at St. Peter’s Square for the historic inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Tinubu’s presence underscored Nigeria’s commitment to global peace, interfaith dialogue, and the country’s tradition of religious and cultural diversity.
Diplomatic Significance and Warm Vatican Welcome
President Tinubu arrived in Rome on Saturday, May 17, at the invitation of Pope Leo XIV, who described Nigeria as a nation “particularly dear” to him, recalling his time at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s210. The invitation, conveyed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s participation “at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts”.
Upon arrival, Tinubu was received by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and top Vatican and Nigerian officials. He was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including the Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Calls for Unity, Diversity, and Dialogue
At the Vatican, President Tinubu met with Nigerian Catholic bishops, urging national unity through religious and cultural diversity. He emphasized that “if we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress”. Tinubu also met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin for a private dinner, where they discussed mutual interests, peace, and global solidarity.
In public remarks, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s appreciation for the Vatican’s longstanding goodwill and spiritual engagement with the Nigerian people. He stressed the need for interfaith dialogue and tolerance in a world increasingly challenged by religious and ideological polarization.
Notable Encounters and National Symbolism
The inauguration mass was attended by dignitaries including US Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. After the mass, Tinubu exchanged greetings and a handshake with Pope Leo XIV, engaging in a brief conversation. The president’s participation was widely seen as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s engagement with the global faith community.
A moment that captured public attention was Tinubu’s lighthearted encounter with Labour Party leader Peter Obi and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi at the Vatican. The three, often seen as political rivals, were spotted laughing and joking together, symbolizing a rare moment of unity among Nigeria’s top political figures.
Pope Leo XIV’s Message
In his inaugural homily, Pope Leo XIV called for the Church to be a transformative force against violence, hatred, and inequality. He urged the faithful to embrace unity that respects diversity and to extend love and solidarity to the marginalized, drawing from his missionary experience in Peru.
Strengthening Church-State Relations
Archbishop Ugorji thanked President Tinubu for facilitating the bishops’ participation in both the burial of Pope Francis and the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV, expressing hope for continued collaboration between the Nigerian government and the Catholic Church.
Outlook
President Tinubu’s attendance and outreach in Rome are expected to strengthen diplomatic and religious ties, promote interfaith understanding, and inspire national leaders to champion peace, stability, and inclusive development in Nigeria.
