President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to transform the nation’s rich cultural and religious diversity into a vehicle for unity, peace, and economic prosperity. Speaking at the Vatican during the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV, the Nigerian leader emphasized that national stability depends on embracing inclusivity and rejecting division.
Tinubu made the remarks during a side meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held in Rome alongside the historic installation ceremony of the new pontiff at St. Peter’s Square. Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8, 2025, becomes the 267th leader of the global Catholic Church, succeeding the late Pope Francis.
“If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the hope for Nigeria is stability, development, and progress,” Tinubu said, as conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President was one of over 30 world leaders who attended the papal coronation, symbolizing not only Nigeria’s deep-rooted Catholic heritage but also its evolving role in faith-based diplomacy on the global stage.
During the high-level meeting, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and head of the Owerri Archdiocese, commended President Tinubu for facilitating the bishops’ presence in Rome. Their attendance spanned both the burial of Pope Francis and the inauguration of his successor—an occasion that merges solemnity with renewal.
“We appreciate the President’s unwavering support for the Church in Nigeria and for ensuring our representation at these monumental events,” Archbishop Ugorji stated. He also extended a formal invitation to Tinubu for continued dialogue with the CBCN back home in Nigeria.
Notable Nigerian clergy in attendance included Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto—each of whom plays a vital role in advancing interfaith peace and social advocacy in Nigeria.
In a separate diplomatic engagement, President Tinubu met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State. Their talks centered on interfaith collaboration, global peace, and fostering understanding amid rising global ideological and religious tensions.
“Our dialogue was marked by fraternity and a shared vision for the future,” Tinubu posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, @officialABAT. “I reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation in an increasingly polarized world.”
He further noted that Nigeria remains committed to building bridges across religious divides, adding,
“We are a nation grounded in faith and open to friendship—committed to constructing pathways of mutual respect, peace, and understanding.”
President Tinubu’s presence at the Vatican underscores Nigeria’s growing engagement with global faith institutions, particularly as the country continues to contribute to peacekeeping and reconciliation efforts across Africa.
Accompanying the President was a delegation of top government and diplomatic officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs, Ademola Oshodi, and a host of senior Nigerian Catholic clergy.
Dressed in a formal suit, a departure from his traditional agbada, Tinubu struck a cosmopolitan figure, reinforcing the symbolic message of unity through diversity.
Speaking to journalists after the Mass, the President reflected:
“This event embodies the spirit of unity in diversity. It’s an immense honour to witness this. But more importantly, it is a reminder that building a peaceful, inclusive nation is a continuous journey. We must stay committed—for the sake of our children, our country, and the African continent.”
