The ceremony, marking the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate as the 267th Bishop of Rome, will take place on May 18 at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.

In his invitation to the Nigerian president, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, emphasised the significance of Tinubu’s “presence at this pivotal moment for the Catholic Church”, amidst global tensions and conflicts.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesperson, said the visit underscores the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Vatican.