President Tinubu speaks from Rome as he attends the pontification of Pope Leo XIV
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu was among the world leaders invited to Rome to mark the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Citynews reported earlier that the President arrived in Rome on Saturday, May 17.
He was received and hosted to a dinner by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State to the Vatican. Speaking about the meeting, the Nigerian leader said he discussed global peace and progress with Parolin.
He made this known in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) late Saturday night. According to him, his government will continue to uphold religious tolerance in Nigeria and the world.
“Our dialogue was marked by a spirit of fraternity and a shared vision for the future,” Tinubu said. He added that his government will focus “on common values such as peace, mutual respect, and global solidarity.”
“I expressed Nigeria’s deep appreciation for the Vatican’s longstanding goodwill. Reaffirmed our commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation in an increasingly polarised world,” he wrote.
Also speaking through a post on Sunday, President Tinubu praised Pope Leo XIV commitment to promote peace. He said that was what the world needs at this moment.
He wrote, “Today, at the Vatican, upon the personal invitation of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I joined world leaders and millions of Catholics in witnessing the beginning of a new papacy.
“Pope Leo XIV’s humility, history with Nigeria, and message of peace remind us of the moral leadership the world desperately needs.”
Speaking further, the President said as a nation of great diversity, Nigeria will continue to promote peace and progress.
“Nigeria remains committed to building bridges across belief, race, and continent—for peace, for progress, and for all of humanity.”
Fani-Kayode Reacts As Tinubu Speaks From Rome, Handshake With Pope
A chieftain of the All Progress Congress (APC), Fani-Kayode, has reacted to President Tinubu’s visit to Rome. The former Minister of Aviation claimed that Tinubu has become the first Nigerian President or Head of State to be invited to such an event. He described the invitation as a kind gesture that every Nigerian should be proud of.
“This is the first time in our country’s history that a sitting President or Head of State has attended the inaugural mass of a new Pope.
“Surely there can be no greater expression of religious tolerance, mutual respect and bridge-building than this. It is a warm gesture that we can all be proud of,” he said.
Also, it should be noted that President Tinubu met with Peter Obi and Dr. Kayode Fayemi in Rome.
