- Pontiff Calls For Just, Lasting Peace’ In Ukraine, Offers Prayers For Gaza
- Drama Surrounds Photos Of Obi’s Meeting With Tinubu At Vatican
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to harness their diversity for the country’s stability and rapid development.
He spoke on Sunday, May 18, 2025 in Rome where he had gone to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV’s while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
President Tinubu, a Muslim, said, ” If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress.”
He described it as historic, being the President of Nigeria when a new Pope was inaugurated in Rome.
The Catholic bishops were part of President Tinubu’s delegation to attend Pope Leo XIV’s installation mass on Sunday.
He said the development signalled a new era of a more robust relationship between the President and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
“You are always there for us. Now that you have come to the Vatican, whenever we have our conference in Nigeria, we will also invite you, and we look forward to interfacing with you just as you were able to do with the Holy Father,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV, the first ever American pope, condemned the exploitation of the poor and called for unity in the church during his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square, an event attended by world leaders, royalty and tens of thousands of believers.
Pope Leo condemns exploitation of the poor and calls for unity in the church at inaugural Mass
Leo XIV, the first ever American pope, condemned the exploitation of the poor and called for unity in the church during his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square, an event attended by world leaders, royalty and tens of thousands of believers.
The 267th pontiff arrived at the Vatican on the popemobile and was welcomed by cheers from the huge crowds as he toured St. Peter’s Square in the specially designed motor vehicle for the first time. Approximately 100,000 people had gathered at the start of the Mass, according to authorities.
During his tour on the popemobile, Pope Leo was seen to stop briefly and kiss a child.
Chants of “Viva il Papa” were repeated several times, and there were shouts of joy and loud applause as the pontiff entered St. Peter’s Square for the start of the Mass.
Among those in attendance at Sunday’s two-hour long liturgy included US Vice-President JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who were seen shaking hands with one another before the start of the service. Later on Sunday, Leo met Zelensky at the Vatican.
Also present was the President of Peru, Dina Boluarte, the leader of the country where Pope Leo served as both a missionary and a bishop for several decades.
Countries from across the globe were represented, with the Vatican hosting delegates from more than 150 nations.
Delivering his homily – a key moment in the service for the new pope to signal his priorities – Leo said there was no room in the Catholic Church for “religious propaganda” or power plays, and instead called for unity, a possible reference to divisions among reformists and conservatives that grew starker under predecessor Francis.
Leo also condemned an economic system that exploits “the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest.”
The pontiff echoed the humility of Francis, saying he was not chosen for the role of head of the Catholic Church for merits of his own and instead takes it on as a “brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy.”
At the end of the Mass, Leo called for a “just and lasting peace’ in Ukraine and offered prayers for Gaza, where “children, families, the elderly, survivors are reduced to hunger.”
In a related development, drama has surrounded the emergence of a picture of President Bola Tinubu meeting his antagonist, Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential candidate, and former Ekiti governor Kayode Fayemi at Pope Leo XIV’s installation mass on Sunday in Rome.
Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesperson shared the photo while disclosing that Fayemi sighted President Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders and asked Obi to follow him to pay homage to the Nigerian leader. Surprisingly, Obi agreed.
On getting to the President, Fayemi broke the ice between Obi and Tinubu. He said: “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”
President Tinubu, ever quick-witted, responded: “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation”.
The President’s response cracked up Obi, who agreed with the President.
Obi said: “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation”.
The post had gone on to generate several reactions.
According to Michael Ogwo, he wrote the below on X” “I wish I could explain the excitement within the presidency and the president for meeting with Peter Obi.
“The opportunity to wear a suit and sit among people with identifiable characters, individuals whose origins can be traced, was truly special.
“To crown it all, he had the privilege of sitting among the white people. Let’s hope he returns after the event rather than passing through France or the UK to do his usual.
“A presidential spokesman putting out a tweet because they met with Peter Obi
Another user, Yaya Oseni countered him.
“Good to see the president allowed Peter Obi to greet him. Politics of bitterness should have no room in our country. All hands have to be on deck to build a great nation.
“Peace and Unity build a great nation” he also wrote on X.
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