By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation in a world increasingly challenged by religious and ideological polarization.
The President made this known following his arrival in Rome on Saturday evening, where he is scheduled to attend the solemn mass, marking the inauguration of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church.
Upon his arrival, President Tinubu was received by the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who hosted him to a private dinner and diplomatic exchange focused on mutual global interests.
“Our dialogue was marked by a spirit of fraternity and a shared vision for the future. We discussed common values such as peace, mutual respect, and global solidarity”, Tinubu wrote on his verified X handle, @officialABAT.
President Tinubu used the opportunity to convey Nigeria’s appreciation for the Vatican’s longstanding goodwill and its spiritual engagement with the Nigerian people, many of whom are adherents of the Catholic faith.
“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,” the President stated.
The interaction with Cardinal Parolin underscores the strategic importance Nigeria places on faith-based diplomacy, especially at a time when global events have accentuated divisions along religious and ethnic lines.
“As always, Nigeria remains a nation open to friendship, grounded in faith, and committed to building bridges of understanding across the world,” Tinubu added.
The President’s visit to the Vatican comes at a time when Nigeria continues to play a prominent role in peacekeeping and religious reconciliation efforts across Africa.
His participation in the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV is seen as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s engagement with the global faith community.
President Tinubu is currently joining other world leaders and dignitaries at the formal inauguration Mass where the newly elected pontiff will begin his tenure following the passing of Pope Francis.
– Source: The Nation Newspaper
