President Bola Tinubu joined other world leaders on Sunday at St. Peter’s Square in Rome for the official inauguration mass of the new Pope, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. During the event, Tinubu had a brief exchange and handshake with the new Bishop of Rome, a moment that symbolized Nigeria’s presence on the global religious and diplomatic stage.
The mass marked the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. In his first homily, the Pope urged leaders to halt the exploitation of the earth and end marginalization of the poor. He called for the Church to be a transformative force in a world increasingly divided by hate and inequality.
PUNCH Online reports that the inauguration was attended by key dignitaries including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who were also seen exchanging pleasantries with the Pope.
President Tinubu’s attendance further highlights Nigeria’s ongoing engagement with international religious and political stakeholders. The short video of Tinubu meeting the Pope has since gone viral, generating mixed reactions on social media.
Analysts believe that Pope Leo XIV’s message on unity and compassion will shape global dialogue, and leaders like Tinubu are expected to align national policies with these global humanitarian values.
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