President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Tuesday evening following a two-day official visit to Vatican City, where he attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The President’s aircraft, Nigeria Air Force One, landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 6:50 p.m. He was received by top government officials including Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
While in Rome, President Tinubu met with Vatican authorities to discuss diplomatic and religious matters, during which he reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting interfaith harmony.
He also participated in the inaugural Mass for Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, joining other world leaders for the solemn occasion. After the ceremony, the President briefly interacted with the new Pope, exchanging handshakes and a few words.
President Tinubu later held a meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President and Bishop of Owerri, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji. During the meeting, he urged Nigerians—especially religious leaders—to see the country’s religious and cultural diversity as a strength to foster unity and development.
“If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
Describing his attendance at the papal inauguration as a historic privilege, Tinubu said it was an honour to lead Nigeria’s official delegation during such a significant moment in global religious history.
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze
