President Tinubu meets newly elected Pope Leo XIV in Vatican

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican City in Rome, marking a significant moment in diplomatic and interfaith relations between Nigeria and the Catholic Church.

Tinubu, who arrived in Rome on Saturday, was invited by the Vatican to witness the official installation of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Nigerian leader is among a select group of world leaders and dignitaries attending the solemn mass inaugurating the new pontificate.

His visit comes amid growing efforts to deepen bilateral ties and foster mutual understanding between Nigeria and the Vatican, the spiritual heart of Catholicism.

On his arrival, Tinubu was received and hosted to a private dinner by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, noting the diplomatic reception accorded to Nigeria.

Pope Leo XIV ascended to the papacy following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. He was elected by the College of Cardinals in a closely watched conclave, marking the beginning of a new era for the global Catholic Church.

The historic meeting between President Tinubu and Pope Leo XIV is seen as a key opportunity to reinforce cooperation on shared global concerns such as religious tolerance, peace-building, poverty alleviation, and climate action.

Details of their private discussions have not yet been released, but presidential aides describe the meeting as “cordial and forward-looking.”

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