By Okpere Sharon Omoye
President Tinubu Returns to Abuja After Attending Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja following a two-day official visit to Vatican City, where he joined other world leaders for the inauguration of the 267th Bishop of Rome, His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.
The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 6:50 p.m. and was received by top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
While in Rome, President Tinubu attended the solemn inauguration Mass held at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the formal ascension of Pope Leo XIV to the Papacy.
The President described the event as a historic and spiritual milestone, expressing honour at representing Nigeria during such a significant global occasion.
Following the Mass, President Tinubu met briefly with Pope Leo XIV. The exchange between the Nigerian leader and the Pontiff was warm and symbolic, consisting of a handshake and a short conversation focused on shared global values of peace, tolerance, and leadership.
President Tinubu also held a closed-door meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, who is also the Bishop of Owerri.
The discussions focused on strengthening national unity, promoting interfaith harmony, and encouraging collaboration between religious institutions and the government.
In a statement during the visit, President Tinubu urged Nigerian religious and community leaders to leverage the country’s cultural and religious diversity as a source of strength rather than division.
He emphasized the role of faith in promoting peace, national development, and social cohesion.
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“The diversity of our nation is not a weakness but a blessing. We must work together—government and religious leaders—to transform that diversity into a tool for national prosperity,” the President said.
President Tinubu led the Nigerian delegation to the Vatican as part of his commitment to fostering international cooperation and promoting dialogue between political and religious leaderships.
The visit further reaffirmed Nigeria’s engagement with global faith-based institutions and highlighted the country’s role in supporting international peace and interreligious understanding.