President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Tuesday evening following a landmark two-day visit to Vatican City, where he joined global leaders at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The President’s aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 6:50 p.m. He was warmly received by top government officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
During his stay in Rome, President Tinubu engaged in high-level discussions with Vatican authorities on key diplomatic and interreligious issues, underscoring his administration’s dedication to promoting interfaith dialogue and global religious cooperation.
He also attended the inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he briefly exchanged greetings with Pope Leo XIV in a cordial interaction.
Following the inauguration, President Tinubu met with members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President and Archbishop of Owerri, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the Church and the Nigerian government in areas such as peacebuilding, education, and humanitarian efforts.
