President Bola Tinubu joined world leaders in Rome on Sunday for the historic installation mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected Bishop of Rome and leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Nigerian leader personally greeted the American pontiff during a reception in St. Peter’s Square following the solemn ceremony.
Eyewitnesses reported that President Tinubu shared a brief conversation with Pope Leo XIV during their handshake, though the content of their exchange was not disclosed. The pontiff, who becomes the first US-born Pope in history, warmly received numerous global dignitaries including US Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the post-mass reception.
The installation ceremony marked the formal beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, during which he delivered a powerful homily setting his vision for the Church. Before an assembly of international leaders, the new Pope called for an end to environmental exploitation and the marginalization of the poor, urging the Catholic Church to become “a transformational force in a world of division and hatred.”
The PUNCH confirmed President Tinubu’s participation in the high-profile event, which drew political and religious leaders from across the globe. The Nigerian president’s presence at the papal inauguration underscores Nigeria’s engagement with major international institutions and faith-based diplomacy.
The historic occasion marks a new era for the 1.3 billion-member Catholic Church, with Pope Leo XIV’s progressive message on social justice and environmental stewardship already generating global discussion among both religious and political circles.
