President Tinubu, Peter Obi At Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration: What This Means For Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined other world leaders in Rome on Sunday for the historic inauguration of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The event, held at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, marked the beginning of a new papal era, drawing dignitaries from across the globe in a show of unity and reverence.

Upon arrival at the military airport in Rome around 5 p.m. local time, President Tinubu was received by senior Nigerian government officials based in Europe. His visit came at the formal invitation of the Vatican, following the election of Pope Leo XIV by the College of Cardinals, making him the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church.

Following the inauguration Mass, Pope Leo XIV greeted a crowd of influential world leaders. In attendance for the ceremony were King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium, U.S. vice president JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance, U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and first lady Olena Zelenska, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese, European commission president Ursula von der Leyen, and Britain’s Prince Edward, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to name a few.

Why Nigeria Was Among the Key Nations Invited to Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration

President Tinubu had a brief but warm exchange with the Pope during their handshake. The Vatican emphasized the significance of the Nigerian President’s presence, especially during a time marked by global conflict and the need for spiritual reflection.

In a personal message, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin conveyed the Pope’s appreciation for Nigeria’s participation, noting his fond memories of serving in Lagos during the 1980s.

“Your presence is significant at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts,” the Pope wrote. “Your great nation is particularly dear to me.”

Nigerian Delegation to the Inauguration

President Tinubu was accompanied by a high-level Nigerian delegation, including Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja; Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos; Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi; and former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday.

Tinubu, Obi, Fayemi Share Warm Exchange During Pope’s Inauguration

The President also shared a lighthearted moment with Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration Mass in Rome.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, shared details of the moment in a post on X.

Marked by humour Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration: and civility, the encounter offered a rare glimpse of camaraderie amid Nigeria’s often polarised political landscape.

Onanuga wrote:
“Fayemi sighted President Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders, and asked Obi to follow him to pay homage to the Nigerian leader. Obi agreed.

“On getting to the President, Fayemi broke the ice between Obi and Tinubu. He said: ‘Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.’

“President Tinubu, ever quick-witted, responded: ‘I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the head of the Nigerian delegation.’

“The President’s response cracked up Obi, who agreed with the President. He said, ‘Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.’”

Both Obi and Fayemi are devout Catholics and Papal knights.

What This Means for Nigeria

President Tinubu’s attendance underscores Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, religious diplomacy, and global peace efforts.

His presence at such a significant global religious event signals the country’s continued engagement with international faith communities and reflects Nigeria’s strategic diplomatic outreach to the Vatican.