Tinubu Attends High-Level Meeting in Vatican as New Era Begins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a high-profile visit to Vatican City on Sunday, where he met with newly elected Pope Leo XIV. The visit, which comes at a symbolic moment for the Catholic Church, reflects a renewed push for stronger ties between Nigeria and the Vatican.

Tinubu, who arrived in Rome on Saturday, was among a select list of world leaders invited to witness the formal inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome. The solemn ceremony, held at St. Peter’s Basilica, marked the official beginning of the Pope’s leadership following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

On arrival, the Nigerian President was hosted to a private dinner by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, highlighting the diplomatic weight accorded to Nigeria during the historic transition.

Though details of the private discussions between Tinubu and the pontiff remain under wraps, presidential aides described the encounter as “cordial and forward-looking,” hinting at shared interests in promoting peace, religious tolerance, and sustainable development.

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