Tinubu attends Pope Leo XIV's inauguration, meets Peter Obi, other politicians

President Bola Tinubu attended the inauguration mass of the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican City on Sunday

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Bola Tinubu attended the inauguration mass of the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican City on Sunday.

Also read: World leaders greet emergence of first American pope, Leo XIV

President Tinubu arrived in Rome on Saturday and joined other world leaders to celebrate the new Pope’s ascension.

After the inauguration mass, President Tinubu, along with other world leaders, greeted the Pope.

The President told newsmen that he was pleased to be part of the historic inauguration. He described his visit as “consistent in the true sense of unity in diversity” and expressed his honor.

He emphasized the importance of working towards unity for Nigeria and the African continent.

During his visit, President Tinubu met with Labour Party’s presidential candidate from the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and former Ekiti governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, shared on his X handle that Fayemi saw President Tinubu and encouraged Obi to join him in paying respects to the Nigerian leader.

According to Onanuga, Fayemi initiated the interaction, saying, “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”

President Tinubu responded, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.”

Obi acknowledged the President’s statement, saying, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”

Onanuga noted that both Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi are devout Catholics and Papal knights.

I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.

Upon arriving in Rome on Saturday, President Tinubu was hosted to dinner by the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

President Tinubu stated on his X handle that their discussion was characterized by “fraternity and a shared vision for peace, mutual respect, and global solidarity.”

He affirmed Nigeria’s appreciation for the Vatican’s longstanding goodwill and reiterated the country’s dedication to interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation “in an increasingly polarised world.”

President Tinubu wrote, “Upon my arrival in Rome ahead of the solemn Mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I was warmly received and graciously hosted to dinner by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State to the Vatican.

Our dialogue was marked by a spirit of fraternity and a shared vision for the future, focusing on common values such as peace, mutual respect, and global solidarity.

I expressed Nigeria’s deep appreciation for the Vatican’s longstanding goodwill and reaffirmed our commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation in an increasingly polarised world.