The Vatican has a way of setting everyone on an even keel. I remember how dazed I was when on my last trip during the Funeral mass of Pope Francis some weeks before, when President Donald Trump had walked into the Basilica and was led to his seat at the square.

A number of dignitaries lined up to go to exchange pleasantries with him, causing a bit of a stir and a crowded scene.

To my surprise, a middle-aged prim-looking priest walked up to them and addressed them rather tersely, ‘ scusi, ‘( meaning Excuse me in Italian). This is St Peter’s Basilica, not the White House. Kindly take your seats, please…He was purely concerned that the solemnity of the event was not torpedoed by boisterous politicians.

The Nigerian delegation for the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV at St Peter’s Square, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arrived early enough when there was ample time for pleasantries.

As we entered, I sighted former Governors Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi already seated, and I went to greet them after the President was seated.

Being patriotic citizens, they both decided to come up with me to pay their respects to Mr President, who very warmly and graciously received them both in a relaxed and humorous mood after which they both returned to their seats

At the Basilica, no matter who you are, you are sitting out in that square under that scorching sun. People routinely faint and pass out from heatstroke and have to be evacuated in stretchers.

In fact, the man seated in front of me slumped during the mass. It was Seyi Tinubu who saved the day. The bottle of water he ‘travelled’ all the way to the vestibule to procure was what was given to the man to revive him till the paramedics came.

President Tinubu went through the entire 3 hours mass, observing every rite except Communion under that flaming sun. Afterwards, he chatted and took selfies with several Nigerian priests and seminarians who came to greet him.

And can I possibly forget to mention his impeccably tailored ‘power suit’ which drew admiration as he walked so stridently to meet the new pontiff.

Indeed, Vatican ’25 has been a profound experience!