President Bola Tinubu joined other global leaders in Vatican City on Sunday, where he met with the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, shortly after the Pope’s official inauguration Mass held in St. Peter’s Square.
The event marked the formal beginning of the papacy of Pope Leo XIV, who was elected to succeed the late Pope Francis. Following the conclusion of the Mass, Pope Leo XIV greeted dignitaries from around the world, including Tinubu, who had traveled to Rome as part of Nigeria’s official delegation.
During the short exchange, President Tinubu and Pope Leo XIV shook hands and exchanged a few words before Tinubu moved on to allow the Pope to continue his greetings with other leaders. The meeting, although brief, was symbolic of the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Vatican.
Other prominent figures in attendance included U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and several European heads of state. Each had a moment with the new pontiff as he extended greetings and blessings.
According to Vatican Media, the Mass drew thousands of spectators and clergy to the historic square, including cardinals, bishops, and religious leaders from across the globe. The Pope, originally from the United States, used his first official homily to deliver a strong message on global unity and justice.
Pope Leo XIV, speaking from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, noted, “Let us no longer exploit the earth for selfish gain. Let us no longer turn our backs on the poor.”
