ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following a diplomatic visit to Rome, where he attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
The presidential aircraft touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at approximately 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday. He was received by top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje.
President Tinubu was among global leaders who witnessed the formal installation of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, at St. Peter’s Basilica. During the visit, the Nigerian leader held high-level discussions with Vatican officials focused on interfaith cooperation, peacebuilding, and global development.
Speaking during a separate meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria on the sidelines of the inauguration, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s cultural and religious diversity, urging leaders to harness it as a tool for national unity.
“If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress,” Tinubu said.
The President’s return marks the conclusion of a high-profile international engagement aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and promoting dialogue across faiths.
