
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja on Saturday, May 17, 2025, for Rome, Italy, to attend the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. This visit follows an official invitation extended by the Vatican to the Nigerian leader.
The inauguration Mass is set to take place on Sunday, May 18, at 10:00 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square. This ceremony marks the formal commencement of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church. His election follows the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
President Tinubu previously extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV upon his election, expressing hope that his leadership would promote peace and unity globally.
The inauguration ceremony is expected to be attended by numerous world leaders and dignitaries, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.