Tinubu exchanges pleasantries with Pope Leo XIV at inauguration

Tinubu exchanges pleasantries with Pope Leo XIV at inauguration

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday exchanged warm pleasantries with Pope Leo XIV during the official Mass marking the inauguration of the new pontificate in Vatican City.

The brief but symbolic moment took place as President Tinubu joined world leaders, diplomats, and religious dignitaries in Rome to witness the formal installation of the new head of the Catholic Church.

In a post on his verified X handle, @DOlusegun, the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, shared the encounter with a caption that read: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) exchanges pleasantries with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.”

Photographs and videos from the ceremony showed President Tinubu and Pope Leo XIV engaged in a respectful handshake and short conversation, underscoring the spirit of mutual goodwill between Nigeria and the Vatican.

President Tinubu’s presence at the historic event highlights his administration’s ongoing commitment to interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance, and international diplomacy.

His participation also reflects Nigeria’s growing engagement with global religious and cultural institutions.