President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presence in Rome at the invitation of Pope Leo XIV reflects a long-standing relationship between the Nigerian Catholic community and the Vatican, according to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Tinubu departed Abuja for Rome on Saturday to attend a solemn mass marking the official beginning of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome.
The historic invitation was extended by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of the Pope, emphasizing the significance of Nigeria’s presence at the global religious event.
Appearing live on NTA’s Weekend File from Rome, Ojukwu said that Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost—has cultivated a meaningful connection with Nigeria over the years.
She highlighted his frequent visits to the country during his tenure as Prior General of the Augustinian Order (2001–2013), and his subsequent engagements with the Nigerian Church.
“His Holiness is no stranger to Nigeria,” Ojukwu noted. “He has walked the streets of Abuja and Maiduguri, prayed in our chapels, and built strong ties with the local clergy.”
The Minister also revealed that Cardinal Prevost was previously scheduled to visit Nigeria again in July for priestly ordinations before his recent election as Pope.
She emphasized that the Pope’s choice to invite President Tinubu was influenced not only by personal ties but also by Nigeria’s growing prominence within the global Catholic community.
“Nigeria accounts for one of the fastest-growing Catholic populations in the world,” she said. “This invitation signals recognition of our country’s significance on the African continent and within the Catholic faith.”
Ojukwu praised President Tinubu’s acceptance of the invitation, highlighting the symbolic importance of a Muslim leader attending a Papal mass.
“It speaks volumes of his inclusive leadership and commitment to religious tolerance,” she said. “He is showing that he is president for all Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation.”
President Tinubu is accompanied by a high-level Catholic delegation, including Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja; Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos; and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Ojukwu expressed optimism that this event would further strengthen diplomatic and religious ties between Nigeria and the Vatican.
“In a world plagued by conflict and instability, moments like this offer hope for dialogue, unity, and peace,” she concluded.