Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration Mass: Nigeria’s President Tinubu in Attendance
Oru Leonard
President Bola Tinubu attended Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass at the Vatican in Rome on May 18, 2025. He met with the Pope after the ceremony, shaking hands and having a brief conversation. This meeting signifies Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and global cooperation.
President Tinubu joined other world leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at the inauguration mass.
During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for justice, peace, and compassion in global leadership, and urged the Church to address inequality, environmental degradation, and poverty.
President Tinubu’s attendance underscores Nigeria’s engagement with international religious institutions and its support for interfaith dialogue.
Before the inauguration, President Tinubu had a private diplomatic dinner with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, discussing mutual global interests, peace, and solidarity.
The ceremony took place at St. Peter’s Square, Rome Mass held in St. Peter’s Square, Rome marks the official beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s ministry as the successor of Peter and bishop of Rome. The ceremony featured significant moments like prayer at the tomb of St. Peter, a solemn procession, and the presentation of the pallium and fisherman’s ring.
Key Moments include:
– Prayer at St. Peter’s Tomb: Pope Leo XIV paused in prayer at the tomb of St. Peter, emphasizing his connection with the Apostle Peter and his martyrdom.
– Pallium and Ring: The Pope received the fisherman’s ring, symbolizing his mission as successor of the Apostle Peter, and the pallium, representing his universal pastoral authority.
– Gospel Reading: The Gospel was read in both Greek and Latin, highlighting the unity of the Church and the Pope’s ministry to both Latin and Eastern Catholics.
– Act of Obedience: Representatives of the people of God pledged obedience to the new Pope, marking a significant gesture of fidelity and communion.
– Attendance: A delegation from the Anglican Communion, led by the Most Revd Leonard Dawea, Bishop of Temotu and Primate of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, attended the inauguration to represent the prayers and support of Anglicans worldwide.
– Global Representation: World leaders, including Nigerian President Tinubu and US politician JD Vance, gathered for the inauguration, showcasing the Pope’s global significance.
– Live Coverage: The inauguration Mass was broadcast live on EWTN, with replays available throughout the day.
The inauguration ceremony is a significant event, marking the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy and his ministry to the global Catholic community.
Cover Photo Caption: President Bola Tinubu in handshake with the newly installed Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
