President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Saturday for Rome, Italy, following an invitation from the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. The visit comes as the Nigerian leader prepares to attend the formal inauguration ceremony of the 267th Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The announcement was made in an official statement released on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The statement, titled ‘Pope Leo XIV invites President Tinubu to his inauguration on Sunday’, detailed the upcoming visit and highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s presence at the historic event.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu will be accompanied by prominent Nigerian Catholic figures as he takes part in the solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, scheduled for Sunday, May 18. The event marks the formal beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, just weeks after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21.
Pontiff recalls time in Nigeria
The Holy See extended the invitation through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, emphasizing the importance of President Tinubu’s attendance in light of ongoing global instability. In his message, Pope Leo XIV expressed a personal connection to Nigeria, stating that the country holds a special place in his heart due to his earlier service at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.
“In this time of heightened global tensions and conflict, your esteemed presence will be a symbol of hope and unity,” Pope Leo XIV wrote. “Your great nation is particularly dear to me, as I had the privilege of serving in Lagos decades ago.”
High-level delegation to represent Nigeria
President Tinubu will be joined by a distinguished delegation that includes the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Also accompanying him are several top leaders of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, who currently serves as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja; and Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos.
Renowned Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, will also form part of the official entourage, underscoring the significance of Nigeria’s representation at the Vatican.
A new era for the Catholic Church
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected by the Conclave of Cardinals 27 days after the death of Pope Francis. His installation marks a new chapter in the leadership of the global Catholic Church.
The ceremony at St. Peter’s Square is expected to draw world leaders, dignitaries, and religious representatives from across the globe. The Vatican event will not only celebrate the beginning of a new papacy but also highlight global religious unity at a time when many nations face political unrest and social challenges.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, May 20, following the conclusion of official engagements in Rome.
