President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja on Saturday for Rome, Italy, at the invitation of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The president will attend a solemn mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of the 267th Bishop of Rome.
This was disclosed in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday.
The mass will take place on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, following the election of Pope Leo XIV by the Conclave of Cardinals 27 days after the passing of his predecessor, Pope Francis, on April 21.
In his invitation, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, conveyed the Pope’s request for President Tinubu’s presence, citing the global importance of the event. Pope Leo XIV emphasised Nigeria’s special place in his heart, recalling his time working at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.
The Pope highlighted the significance of President Tinubu’s attendance, stating, “Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. Your presence at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts is invaluable.”
The president will be accompanied by prominent Catholic leaders and government officials, including minister of state for foreign affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; archbishop of Owerri and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Lucius Ugorji; archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama; archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Martins, and bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah.
Formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo assumes the Papal office amidst hopes of fostering unity and peace in a world grappling with multiple challenges. The installation ceremony is expected to draw dignitaries and religious leaders from around the globe.
President Tinubu is scheduled to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20, following the conclusion of the historic ceremony.
