President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja following his official visit to the Vatican, where he attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
The President landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday evening.
Tinubu was received by top government officials including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje.
During his time in Rome, President Tinubu described the visit as “historic,” noting the importance of representing Nigeria at such a significant religious and global event. He also emphasized the need for unity and development in Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace diversity as a strength.
“If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, Nigeria’s hope is in stability and progress,” he said.
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The President was joined in Rome by members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, who were part of his delegation to the Vatican. They attended both the funeral of the late Pope Francis and the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV.
While hosting the Catholic Bishops in Rome, Tinubu encouraged unity among leaders back home, reaffirming his commitment to religious institutions for national growth.
Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Archbishop of Owerri, thanked the President for sponsoring their journey to the Vatican.
“You are always there for us. Now that you have come to the Vatican, we look forward to inviting you to our conferences in Nigeria and working closely with you, just as you have done with the Holy Father,” Ugorji stated.
Other notable bishops present at the event included Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese.
This visit marks a new chapter in the relationship between the Nigerian government and the Catholic Church, signaling deeper collaboration on matters of national interest.
