President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Rome, Italy, to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The President landed at the Military Airport in Rome on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at around 5:00 pm local time, where he was received by senior Nigerian government officials stationed in Europe, including Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs .
Tinubu’s visit to Rome is at the invitation of the Vatican, following the recent election of Pope Leo XIV by the College of Cardinals. The inauguration ceremony, scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square, marks the beginning of a new papal era and is expected to draw dignitaries from across the globe .
The President’s attendance at the inauguration underscores the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the Vatican. According to the Presidency, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the significance of Tinubu’s presence, citing “a moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts”. Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20 .
President Tinubu will be accompanied by key figures, including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja; Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos; and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese .
The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV is a significant event, marking the beginning of a new era for the Catholic Church. As the first American to be elected as Pope, Leo XIV is widely expected to pursue reformist policies, focusing on conflict resolution and humanitarian outreach .
