President Tinubu Meets Vatican Secretary Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration, Pledges Global Unity and Interfaith Cooperation
As world leaders gather in Rome for the inauguration of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in the Eternal City and was warmly received by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State.
In a statement shared shortly after his arrival, President Tinubu described the meeting as one rooted in brotherhood and mutual aspiration for peace and solidarity.
“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,” President Tinubu wrote.
Their discussion centered on shared global concerns including peacebuilding, tolerance, and the importance of cross-cultural and interfaith cooperation in addressing the world’s divisions.
“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,” he stated.
President Tinubu also took the opportunity to convey Nigeria’s longstanding appreciation for the Vatican’s moral support and goodwill, emphasizing his administration’s dedication to fostering interreligious harmony.
“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,” he said.
Reiterating Nigeria’s place on the global stage, he added, “As always, Nigeria remains a nation open to friendship, grounded in faith, and committed to building bridges of understanding across the world.”
The meeting comes at a symbolic moment, as the Catholic Church ushers in a new papal era. President Tinubu’s diplomatic engagement underscores Nigeria’s broader commitment to faith-driven diplomacy and cultural exchange.
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