President Tinubu arrives in Rome ahead of historic inauguration of Pope Leo XIV

DDM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Rome, Italy.

This visit comes ahead of the grand inauguration of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the event is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2025.

World leaders from across the globe are gathering for this momentous Vatican ceremony.

Nigerians are also closely following the developments both at home and abroad.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, confirmed Tinubu’s arrival.

Onanuga made the announcement on Saturday through his verified Facebook page.

According to him, the President is in Italy to attend a solemn mass.

This mass will mark the official start of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.

The invitation to the President was personally extended by Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Parolin is the Vatican Secretary of State and a key figure in the Holy See.

President Tinubu landed at the Mario De Bernardo Military Airport in Rome.

He was warmly received by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Several senior Nigerian Catholic clergy accompanied the President on this important trip.

These include Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos.

Their presence highlights the close ties between Nigeria’s Catholic community and the Vatican.

As the Vatican prepares for the historic event, social media in Nigeria is abuzz with reactions.

Many Nigerians took to Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and other platforms to share their views.

Reactions range from excitement and pride to skepticism and concern.

Some social media users are calling for videos rather than just photos of the President’s arrival.

For example, @SnipesLyon simply wrote, “Show videos.”

Another user, @WAghwarito98347, expressed frustration over the lack of live footage.

He said, “No videos just news… omoh our president never come back… make he address us as before.”

Others want more transparency and proof of the President’s activities in Rome.

@MaziEzike_Nedu requested an “Audio return trip” and asked to see the President welcomed by his cabinet.

Another user insisted, “We don’t want these pictures… We need videos of him stepping down the jet.”

Despite mixed reactions online, supporters on Bayo Onanuga’s page gave positive feedback.

They expressed hope and encouragement for the President’s mission in Rome.

This visit symbolizes Nigeria’s global presence and its connection to the Vatican.

It also reflects the nation’s deep religious ties and respect for the Holy See.

The papal inauguration will likely remain a major topic of discussion across Nigeria.

President Tinubu’s visit is attracting both national pride and healthy debate.

As the Vatican ceremony approaches, Nigerians will continue to watch closely.

The historic event will mark a new chapter for the Catholic Church worldwide.

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