From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu will travel to Rome, Italy, tomorrow, to attend the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the solemn ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
The invitation was extended by Pope Leo XIV through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who emphasised the importance of President Tinubu’s presence “at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts.”
The Pope also expressed a personal connection to Nigeria, recalling his work at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by a delegation of top Catholic leaders including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop Alfred Martins, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Commenting on the invitation, Onanuga, said: “The President’s attendance underscores the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Vatican and highlights the significance of this historic moment for the Catholic Church and global peace.”
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected 27 days after the death of Pope Francis on April 21. President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.