By Eshiorameh Sebastian, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican this Sunday, following an official invitation from the newly elected pontiff.
The Nigerian leader will depart Abuja on Saturday for Rome, where he will join global dignitaries and Catholic leaders for the solemn mass marking the formal installation of the 267th Bishop of Rome, a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected by the Conclave of Cardinals 27 days after the passing of his predecessor, Pope Francis, on April 21. In his invitation, conveyed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope emphasized the significance of President Tinubuโs presence, citing Nigeriaโs importance to him.
“Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s,” Pope Leo XIV stated. He also highlighted the need for global solidarity amid rising tensions and conflicts worldwide.
President Tinubuโs delegation includes prominent Nigerian Catholic leaders, such as Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri (President of the Catholic Bishopsโ Conference of Nigeria), Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese. Also accompanying the president is Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
The inauguration ceremony will take place at St. Peterโs Square on Sunday, May 18, with thousands of faithful expected to witness the historic event. President Tinubu is scheduled to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
Discussion about this post