President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after attending the formal installation of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
Tinubu touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Tuesday evening.
The President was received by a high-ranking delegation including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
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Tinubu had departed for Italy on Saturday, arriving at the Mario De Bernardo Military Airport before proceeding to Vatican City for Sunday’s ceremony, where Cardinal Robert Prevost was installed as Pope Leo XIV — the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church.
A video posted to Tinubu’s official X account showed the President exchanging pleasantries with the newly installed pontiff after the inaugural mass at St. Peter’s Square.
The event drew several global dignitaries, including US Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who also greeted the Pope.
During his brief stay in Rome, Tinubu met with notable Nigerians, including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi.
Pope Leo XIV, who was elected on 8 May, used his inaugural address to advocate for a more equitable world, calling on global leaders to combat environmental degradation and economic inequality.
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Tinubu also urged Nigerians to embrace the nation’s diversity as a catalyst for unity and progress, encouraging inclusive governance and mutual respect across political and ethnic divides.
