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| President Tinubu arriving in Rome with Nigerian bishops |
President Bola Tinubu landed at Rome’s Military Airport around 5 a.m. on Saturday. He came with a group of senior bishops from Nigeria. He plans to join other world leaders at the mass marking Pope Leo XIV’s beginning in St. Peter’s Square .
His trip follows an invitation from the Vatican. The Presidency said the visit shows Nigeria’s strong ties with the Holy See . The bishops with him include the presidents of Nigeria’s Catholic bishops’ conference and other senior clergy.
The mass is set for Sunday, May 18, at 10 a.m. local time. It will install Leo XIV as the 267th Bishop of Rome and head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics . Tens of thousands are expected, alongside roughly 100 state delegations.
Tinubu’s presence highlights Nigeria’s role in global faith dialogues. Experts say it also signals Nigeria’s interest in peace efforts the Vatican champions. Some analysts point to talks on migration and interfaith harmony .
His flight carried a retinue of bishops led by Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins. They will take part in side events, including a meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin . The agenda covers the church’s work in Africa and Nigeria’s youth empowerment programs.
The Nigerian delegation joined heads from the U.S., Ukraine, Israel, and Nigeria’s own Senate President, who flew in separately. Ukrainian President Zelensky will also attend, hinting at possible back-channel talks on his country’s conflict .
Rome greeted Tinubu with honor guards and Italian officials. He rode in a white ceremonial vehicle toward the Vatican. Crowds waved as the convoy moved through city streets .
At the airport, the Italian defense minister welcomed him. A brief protocol exchange followed. Then Tinubu and his bishops left for the Apostolic Palace. They met Papal diplomats to discuss Nigeria’s church projects .
Experts note the timing. Pope Leo XIV is the first American pontiff. His inauguration draws fresh focus on U.S.-Vatican ties. Tinubu’s visit adds an African voice to that mix. Church scholars say this may boost Nigeria’s standing in Vatican circles .
In an earlier statement, the Presidency said Tinubu would “support the Pope’s vision for peace and justice.” It noted the long history of Catholic missions in Nigeria and current partnerships in education and health .
The bishops’ conference praised the trip. It said clergy would share Nigeria’s experiences at a Vatican roundtable on youth and faith. This comes as Nigeria faces rising youth unemployment and calls for moral guidance .
On Sunday, Tinubu will sit with other leaders inside St. Peter’s Basilica. After the mass, he and the bishops will join a reception at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. They hope to meet with new pontifical council heads to discuss wider church issues.
Observers say Tinubu’s visit is also a soft-power move. It underscores Nigeria’s image as Africa’s largest democracy and economic hub. It may open doors for deeper cultural and religious exchanges with Europe.
Critics question the trip’s cost while Nigeria faces economic challenges. But supporters argue it reaffirms Nigeria’s global faith role and aids diplomatic ties. They see value in engaging the Vatican on social issues.
Overall, Tinubu’s presence at this historic mass will mark Nigeria’s solidarity with the global church. It will highlight its bishops’ growing influence. And it may set the tone for future Nigeria-Vatican collaborations on peace, health, and education.