Rome, Italy — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s attendance at the inauguration mass of the newly installed Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, has been described as a groundbreaking act of religious tolerance and mutual respect.
The commendation came from Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation and a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a statement shared on Sunday via his official X handle (formerly Twitter).
Highlighting the significance of the visit, Fani-Kayode noted that this marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that a sitting President or Head of State had attended a papal inauguration, calling it an “unprecedented” diplomatic and interfaith gesture.
“Our very own President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT), who is a devout Muslim, exchanged a warm handshake with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV during the inaugural mass at the Vatican,” Fani-Kayode wrote.
He emphasized that Tinubu’s presence at the Vatican served as a powerful symbol of bridge-building across reli
gious divides, and a reflection of leadership that values diversity and coexistence.
“There can be no greater display of religious tolerance, mutual respect, and unity than this. It’s a moment Nigerians can genuinely take pride in,” he added.
The former minister concluded by affirming that the President’s gesture reinforces the image of Nigeria as a nation committed to peaceful coexistence and religious harmony on the global stage.
By Makinde oyinkansola| May 18, 2025
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