President Tinubu Back to Abuja After Historic Vatican Visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to the nation’s capital, Abuja after a successful diplomatic trip to Rome, where he attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

The presidential jet landed safely at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 7:00 pm, marking the end of a fruitful journey.

Upon arrival, the President was warmly received by a high-powered delegation, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, among other distinguished government officials.

President Tinubu’s trip to Rome was in response to an invitation from the Vatican, extending to the Nigerian leader to witness the installation of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pontiff and Bishop of Rome.

During his visit, the President engaged in a series of high-level meetings, including a dinner hosted by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to the Vatican.

At the dinner, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering global understanding, tolerance, and cooperation, emphasizing the country’s openness to building bridges across faiths and cultures.

This sentiment was further reinforced during his meeting with Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born Augustinian, at St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday.

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, President Tinubu exchanged warm greetings with His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, after the official Mass, marking the beginning of the new pontificate.

This encounter underscores the President’s dedication to promoting peace, unity, and cooperation across religious and cultural divides, adding to his growing list of international engagements.