President Bola Tinubu touched down in Rome with purpose, heading straight to Vatican City for a historic engagement with Catholic leaders. Upon arrival, Tinubu was warmly received by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to the Vatican, and graciously hosted to dinner—a diplomatic gesture underscoring the importance of faith and dialogue in global affairs.
The evening’s dialogue between President Tinubu and Cardinal Parolin was laced with fraternity and a bold vision for the future. Both leaders found common ground in their shared commitment to peace, mutual respect, and global solidarity. Tinubu conveyed Nigeria’s deep appreciation for the Vatican’s longstanding goodwill and took a strong stance in favor of interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and bridge-building in a world growing ever more divided.
Reflecting on the meeting, Tinubu remarked: “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. 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. 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. As always, Nigeria remains a nation open to friendship, grounded in faith, and committed to building bridges of understanding across the world.”
President Tinubu’s visit, which saw him depart Abuja in the early hours for this crucial encounter, further cements Nigeria’s role as a champion of peace, tolerance, and international cooperation on the world stage.
