President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after attending a special installation mass at the Vatican, following a personal invitation from Pope Leo XIV. The event brought together global leaders and church dignitaries, strengthening diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Holy See. Tinubu is expected to resume key national engagements, including meetings on security and economic policy.

Tinubu’s presence at the installation mass signaled Nigeria’s continued interest in fostering global religious and interfaith dialogue, especially as the country navigates its own internal religious dynamics. His participation was at the personal invitation of Pope Leo XIV.

During his visit, President Tinubu met with Nigerian Catholic bishops in Rome who were part of the Nigerian delegation attending the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. The bishops had also traveled to the Vatican to pay final respects to the late Pope Francis. Addressing the bishops, President Tinubu stated, “If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress.” He expressed appreciation for the warm collaboration with the Church leaders and described his presence at the Vatican during the historic transition in the Catholic Church as significant.

The meeting featured notable figures including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria. Archbishop Ugorji extended gratitude to President Tinubu for facilitating their participation in both the burial of Pope Francis and the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV. He remarked, “You are always there for us...we will also invite you, and we look forward to interfacing with you just as you were able to do with the Holy Father.” Other prominent members of the clergy at the meeting included Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was elected by conclave as the new Pope of the Catholic Church after the funeral rites of Pope Francis. Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV is the first Pope from the United States of America. He also serves as the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.