President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart Abuja for Rome on Saturday, May 17, to attend the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV, following an invitation from the newly elected pontiff. The ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at 10:00 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square, marks the formal commencement of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on May 8, 2025, becoming the first American-born pope and the 267th Bishop of Rome. His election follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
In his invitation, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the significance of President Tinubu’s presence, stating, “Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.”
Accompanying President Tinubu are prominent Nigerian Catholic figures, including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja; Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos; and Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.
The inauguration is expected to draw numerous global leaders. U.S. Vice President JD Vance will lead the American delegation, accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also anticipated to attend, following his recent invitation to the pope to visit Kyiv amid ongoing efforts for peace in Ukraine.
Pope Leo XIV has already signaled a commitment to global peace and traditional Catholic teachings. In his initial addresses, he reaffirmed the Church’s stance on family and the sanctity of life, while also advocating for renewed multilateral diplomacy and interfaith dialogue.
President Tinubu is scheduled to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
