posted 15th May 2025
President Tinubu to Attend Pope Leo XIV's Inauguration in Rome Amid Controversy
Abuja, 15 May 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will travel to Rome, Italy, on Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The invitation, extended by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, highlights the significance of President Tinubu’s presence at this historic event, set for Sunday, 18 May, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected by the Conclave of Cardinals on 27 April, following the passing of Pope Francis on 21 April. In his invitation, the Pope expressed a personal connection to Nigeria, noting his service at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. He emphasised the importance of President Tinubu’s attendance amidst global tensions and conflicts, underscoring Nigeria’s significance to him.
However, President Tinubu’s attendance is seen as awkward by some, given his controversial decision to insist on a Muslim-Muslim ticket during the 2023 presidential election, alongside allegations of arranging fake bishops to bolster his campaign’s support among Christian voters. These actions sparked significant debate and criticism at the time, making his presence at the Vatican a point of contention.
The President will be joined by a distinguished entourage, including Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and prominent Catholic leaders: Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja; Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos; and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.
President Tinubu will participate in a solemn mass marking the start of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate as the 267th Bishop of Rome. He is scheduled to return to Abuja on Tuesday, 20 May.
