The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be traveling to the Vatican to attend the inauguration of the new Pope. World leaders, diplomats, and the world’s top religious leaders will be attending the ceremony.
Tinubu will be at the high-profile gathering where dozens of presidents and prime ministers are to converge at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The gathering is to officially welcome the new Pope’s leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.
The visit is in line with Nigeria’s efforts to deepen diplomatic and interfaith relations, the presidency said. Others to join Tinubu will be top government officials and religious leaders.
Flashback
In 2013, the former President Goodluck Jonathan also made a visit to the inauguration of Pope Francis. His visit reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing connection to the Vatican and global Catholic population. With a large number of Catholics domestically, Nigeria always enjoyed a respectful relationship with the Holy See.
The newly sworn-in Pope was voted just days ago in a Vatican conclave. His words so far have stressed peace, harmony, and eliminating global poverty—sentiments similar to much of Nigeria’s own agenda.
Tinubu will make use of the visit to hold off-agenda meetings with other world leaders, where matters ranging from security to global health and education will likely be discussed.
The presidency also means that the visit is a confirmation of Nigeria’s role in the international community and the necessity for bridges to be constructed between political and religious backgrounds.
In short, President Tinubu’s visit to the Vatican is symbolic and strategic. It symbolizes Nigeria’s acceptance of the new Pope while creating avenues for increased international cooperation.
