President Bola Tinubu has received an invitation from the Vatican to attend the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
According to the Presidency, Pope Leo XIV described President Tinubu’s presence at the event as significant, especially at a time when the world is facing many tensions and conflicts. The Pope also recalled his time in Nigeria, stating that the country is particularly dear to him.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by top Catholic leaders in Nigeria, including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, will also be part of the delegation.
The President is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20, after attending the inauguration mass. This visit highlights the strong relationship between Nigeria and the Vatican, and the importance of diplomatic relations between nations.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected 27 days after the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The inauguration mass marks the formal beginning of his pontificate.
