• Thousands expected as Pontiff leads inaugural mass today
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Rome yesterday evening to attend the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Touching down at the Military Airport in the Italian capital around 5pm local time, President Tinubu was received by senior Nigerian government officials stationed in Europe.
His visit was at the invitation of the Vatican, following the recent election of Pope Leo XIV by the College of Cardinals, making him the 267th Pontiff and Bishop of Rome.
The Presidency had earlier confirmed the President’s trip in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the visit as part of Nigeria’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with the Holy See.
The Vatican, in its formal invitation, emphasised the significance of President Tinubu’s presence at a time of global unrest and spiritual reflection.
In a personal message sent to President Tinubu, Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, conveyed the Pope’s deep appreciation for Nigeria’s participation.
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“Your presence is significant at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts,” the Pope wrote, recalling his fond memories of Nigeria.
“Your great nation is particularly dear to me, as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s,” he added.
President Tinubu is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja and Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos.
The inaugural mass marks the beginning of a new papal era and is expected to draw dignitaries from across the globe, reflecting the global significance of the Catholic Church’s leadership transition.
The President is expected back in the country on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu’s attendance underscores Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, religious diplomacy and global peace efforts.
Thousands expected as Pope leads inaugural mass Sunday
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, will lead his inaugural mass on Sunday, according to the Vatican.
The mass, called the Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate, will begin in Vatican City on Sunday at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET), the Vatican Press Office said.
Before the start of the mass, Leo will wave to the tens of thousands of people expected to be in the crowds, according to officials.
The mass, which will be held in St. Peter’s Basilica, will begin by the tomb of St. Peter, according to Vatican officials.
During the mass, the Petrine Pallium and Fisherman’s Ring will also be presented to Leo, the press office said.
The Pallium — a narrow Y-shaped band woven in white and decorated with two black pendants, six black crosses and three pins representing Christ’s crucifixion — signifies the pontiff carrying on his shoulders the responsibility of shepherding the church.
The Fisherman’s Ring, a gold signet ring, symbolises the new pope’s role as the successor of St. Peter, a fisherman who is considered to be the first leader of the church, according to the Vatican Press Office.
The ring signifies the beginning and the end of a pope’s authority, with Francis’ ring ceremonially broken after his death. Catholics who meet the pope traditionally kiss the ring to demonstrate both their respect for the pontiff and their devotion to the church.
Leo will then deliver a homily, followed by a prayer, called the Regina Caeli, according to the Vatican. The event is expected to be approximately over two hours, officials said.
After the Regina Caeli, Leo is expected to greet delegations and guests, the Vatican said.