Tinubu Meets Pope Leo XIV: Nigeria’s Voice Echoes in Vatican City(Video)

Tinubu Meets Pope Leo XIV: Nigeria’s Voice Echoes in Vatican City(Video)

In Rome today, Nigeria’s presence resonated at one of the most significant religious gatherings of the year — the installation mass of His Holiness Pope Leo the 14th, the 267th Bishop of Rome and new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in the Italian capital on Saturday evening and was received at the Mario De Bernardo Military Airport by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, along with Vatican and Nigerian embassy officials.

The President’s visit follows a personal invitation conveyed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State — underscoring the importance of Nigeria’s voice at a time when global peace is under threat.

But beyond diplomacy, the significance of this visit touches the heart of the Nigerian people.

In a world grappling with religious conflicts, political mistrust, and social unrest, President Tinubu’s presence at this global faith event projects Nigeria as a nation committed to dialogue, unity, and peace — values that resonate with every Nigerian, from the streets of Kano to the creeks of the Niger Delta.

With him in the delegation are some of the country’s foremost Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop Alfred Martins, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.

For the ordinary Nigerian, this visit reinforces a vital message: Nigeria is not isolated. Our leadership is engaging, building bridges, and restoring international confidence in our identity.

This growing global goodwill has the potential to influence foreign relations, attract investment, promote interfaith harmony, and ultimately improve the lives of everyday citizens.

From Rome to Nigeria, the message is clear — leadership is not just about policy, but presence.

️ And today, Nigeria stood tall.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah reporting for iReporteronline.