President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian leaders and citizens to embrace the country’s rich diversity as a strength to foster unity, peace, and development. He made the call while speaking with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Rome on Sunday, following the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
“If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress,” the president said.
The meeting came shortly after Tinubu joined global dignitaries at St. Peter’s Square for the papal installation mass of the new pontiff. The president described the event as a “historic moment”, stating it was a privilege to witness the installation of a new Pope while serving as Nigeria’s leader.
Praise From Nigerian Clergy
The Nigerian delegation to the Vatican included senior Catholic leaders who also attended the burial of Pope Francis and the installation of his successor.
President of the CBCN and Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Ugorji, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting their travel and participation in the momentous events.
“You are always there for us. Now that you have come to the Vatican, whenever we have our conference in Nigeria, we will also invite you,” Archbishop Ugorji said.
Other attendees at the meeting included Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama (Abuja), Archbishop Alfred Martins (Lagos), and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (Sokoto).
Meeting With Peter Obi, Fayemi, and Pope Leo
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu was seen exchanging greetings with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi. The unexpected encounter occurred during the papal inauguration ceremony, sparking interest among Nigerians on social media.
In a brief moment captured on video and shared via Tinubu’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the president also greeted the newly installed pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, following the mass.
Global Leaders Join Historic Ceremony
Other dignitaries in attendance included U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and leaders from across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected on May 8, 2025, becoming the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first American-born pontiff in history.
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo emphasized the urgent need for global peace, environmental protection, and a renewed focus on the rights of the marginalized.
“Let us no longer exploit nature or neglect the poor. Humanity must walk together, or we fall apart,” he said.
