Tinubu shakes hand with Pope Leo XIV after inauguration Mass in Vatican City

President Bola Tinubu exchanged pleasantries with the newly installed head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, following the pontiff’s inauguration mass at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Sunday.

The American-born pope greeted several global dignitaries after the solemn ceremony, including Tinubu, who briefly spoke with him before proceeding.

Other notable leaders in attendance who also met with the Pope included U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Tinubu was among the world leaders who traveled to Rome to witness the installation mass, which officially marked the start of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy.

During the ceremony, the Pope delivered a pointed homily urging an end to the exploitation of nature and the marginalization of vulnerable communities.

In a message delivered before a congregation of international leaders, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the Church’s potential to be a force for unity in a world increasingly shaped by conflict and division.

“We must stop exploiting nature and marginalising the poor,” the Pope declared.

He also added that the Church should serve as “a transformational force in a world of division and hatred.”
The event drew widespread global attention, underscoring the significance of the new papal leadership and its anticipated impact on global faith and policy.

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