On May 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria joined a gathering of world leaders at the Vatican to witness the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. The grand ceremony, held at St. Peter’s Square, marked the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. Formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV is the first American and second Latin American to become pope, making his election a historic milestone for the Catholic Church.
President Tinubu’s attendance at the event emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and strengthening diplomatic relations with the Holy See. Alongside him were other global leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, highlighting the global significance of the occasion.
The ceremony featured the traditional rites of inauguration, including the presentation of the pallium (a symbol of papal authority) and the Fisherman’s Ring, which signifies the pope’s role as the successor of Saint Peter. In his inaugural homily, Pope Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt message centered on unity, peace, and compassion. He called on the Church to serve as a beacon of hope in a world often marked by division and strife.
President Tinubu’s participation in this historic event underscored Nigeria’s active role in global religious and diplomatic affairs. It also reflected the country’s ongoing commitment to promoting peace, understanding, and collaboration on the international stage.