President Tinubu Travels Rome Attend Pope Leo XIV Inauguration

President Bola Tinubu will travel from Abuja to Rome on Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Bishop of Rome, marking the beginning of his pontificate. The invitation was extended by Pope Leo XIV through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, highlighting the importance of Tinubu's presence amid global tensions and the Pope's personal connection to Nigeria, where he served in the Apostolic Nunciature during the 1980s. The formal installation mass is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, following Pope Francis' death on April 21 and the election of Pope Leo XIV 27 days later. President Tinubu will be accompanied by prominent Catholic leaders from Nigeria, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and several archbishops and bishops. The delegation underscores Nigeria's significant role and the close ties between the new Pope and the country. President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.