Bola Tinubu, president of Nigeria joined other world leaders in Rome to celebrate the inauguration of the Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday.

During the mass, Pope Leo expressed concerns over the war in Ukraine, saying “the martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen”.

He warned against the marginalisation of the poor and autocracy.

He also criticised “hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest”.

The US pontiff shook hands with several world leaders in St Peter’s Square after the inauguration mass on Sunday.

While shaking hands with the Pope, Tinubu had a brief conversation with him before moving away.
Other world leaders who shook hands with the Pope include J.D Vance. US Vice President and Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s President, among others.

 

Read also: Tinubu arrives Rome for inauguration of Pope Leo XIV

Vatican media
credit: Vatican media
credit: Vatican media
Pope Leo xiv, credit: Vatican media
Pope Leo xiv, credit: Vatican media
Pope Leo xiv, credit: Vatican media
Pope Leo xiv, credit: Vatican media
Pope Leo XIV:, credit Vatican media
Pope Leo XIV:, credit Vatican media

Read also: Insecurity: Tinubu inducts 2 new Agusta A-109S Trekker helicopters into NAF

Nigerian wave the national flag in Rome
Nigerians wave the national flag in Rome
President Tinubu shake hands with Pope Leo xiv
President Tinubu speaks with Pope Leo xiv, credit Vatican media
President Tinubu shake hands with Pope Leo xiv, credit Vatican media
President Tinubu shakes hands with Pope Leo xiv, credit Vatican media

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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