What Tinubu Said After Meeting New Pope, LEO XIV

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the emergence of Pope Leo XIV as a beacon of moral leadership and renewed hope for a troubled world, following a historic meeting at the Vatican on Sunday.

The Nigerian leader, who arrived in Rome on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on the personal invitation of His Holiness, joined other world leaders and millions of Catholics for the papal installation mass that formally marked the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.

In a message shared via his official social media accounts shortly after the solemn ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the humility and long-standing connection the new Pope shares with Nigeria.

“Today, at the Vatican, upon the personal invitation of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I joined world leaders and millions of Catholics in witnessing the beginning of a new papacy,” Tinubu wrote.

“Pope Leo XIV’s humility, history with Nigeria, and message of peace remind us of the moral leadership the world desperately needs,” he added.

The President emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith harmony and global solidarity, stating:

“As a nation of deep faith and great diversity, Nigeria remains committed to building bridges across belief, race, and continent—for peace, for progress, and for all of humanity.”

He concluded with a prayerful note: “May the Almighty guide the Holy Father and strengthen all who labour for a more just and compassionate world.”

Sunday’s papal installation mass marks the official start of the reign of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church. His election, seen as a nod to global inclusion and renewed commitment to peace, has drawn praise from leaders across continents.

Pope Leo XIV, who has had past engagements with Nigeria through humanitarian missions and interreligious dialogue, is expected to prioritize unity and social justice in his papacy—a message that strongly resonated with the Nigerian delegation led by Tinubu.

The President’s presence at the Vatican underscores Nigeria’s strategic engagement with global religious and moral leadership at a time when shared values of peace, justice, and compassion are more crucial than ever.