Tinubu in Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration, affirms Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith dialogue
President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is committed to promoting interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation in an increasingly polarised world.
Tinubu spoke in Rome on Saturday after arriving in the country for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
On May 15, the presidency said Pope Leo XIV invited Tinubu to attend his inauguration slated to be held on May 18.
In his invitation to the Nigerian president, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, emphasised the significance of Tinubu’s “presence at this pivotal moment for the Catholic Church”, amidst global tensions and conflicts.
“Upon my arrival in Rome ahead of the solemn Mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I was warmly received and graciously hosted to dinner by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State to the Vatican,” the president posted on his X handle.
“Our dialogue was marked by a spirit of fraternity and a shared vision for the future, focusing on common values such as peace, mutual respect, and global solidarity.
“I expressed Nigeria’s deep appreciation for the Vatican’s longstanding goodwill and reaffirmed our commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation in an increasingly polarised world.
“As always, Nigeria remains a nation open to friendship, grounded in faith, and committed to building bridges of understanding across the world.”
