President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart Nigeria for Rome on Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The visit follows an invitation from the Vatican, extended through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, emphasizing the significance of Tinubu’s presence at this pivotal moment for the global Catholic community.
In his invitation, Pope Leo XIV highlighted his personal connection to Nigeria, recalling his service at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.
He expressed a deep affection for the nation, stating, “Your great nation is particularly dear to me,” and underscored the importance of unity and peace in a world facing numerous challenges.
Accompanying President Tinubu will be a delegation of prominent Nigerian Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, who serves as the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja; Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos; and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, will also be part of the entourage.
Pope Leo XIV was elected by the College of Cardinals following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21. The inauguration ceremony is set to take place on Sunday at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on May 20.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
