Global Leaders, Including Tinubu and Vance, Attend Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration in Rome

 On Sunday, May 18, 2025, world leaders converged on Vatican City to witness the historic inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff and the 267th Bishop of Rome. Among the dignitaries were Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who joined thousands of pilgrims at St. Peter’s Square for a solemn Mass marking the start of the new pope’s pontificate. The event, steeped in centuries-old tradition, underscored the global significance of the Catholic Church’s leadership transition amid a world grappling with conflicts and divisions.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, was elected on May 8, 2025, 27 days after the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, on April 21. The inauguration began with a vibrant procession, during which the new pope, dressed in traditional white vestments, greeted crowds from the iconic popemobile, a modified vehicle designed for visibility and security.

This marked his first use of the popemobile, a moment that drew cheers from the estimated 60,000 attendees. The Mass, held under clear Roman skies, featured multilingual prayers and hymns, reflecting the Church’s universal reach. In his homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized peace, interfaith dialogue, and the Church’s role in addressing global challenges, including poverty and migration.

President Tinubu, who arrived in Rome on Saturday, May 17, was personally invited by Pope Leo XIV through a letter signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State. The invitation highlighted Nigeria’s significance to the pontiff, who served in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. 

Tinubu’s delegation included prominent Nigerian Catholic leaders, such as Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto. The Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, also accompanied the president, underscoring the strong ties between Nigeria and the Vatican. During a private dinner with Cardinal Parolin, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and global solidarity, emphasizing the role of religious diplomacy in addressing regional challenges.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance led the American delegation, arriving in Rome on May 17. His presence was notable given recent tensions between his political stance and the new pope’s views. Before his election, Cardinal Prevost had publicly criticized Vance’s remarks on immigration, particularly comments suggesting that some political groups prioritized migrants over citizens. Despite this, Vance attended the inauguration and paid respects at Pope Francis’s tomb, signaling a gesture of goodwill. His participation highlighted the complex interplay between U.S. politics and the Vatican, especially as Pope Leo XIV, a moderate with a focus on workers’ rights, navigates his role in a polarized global landscape.

Other world leaders in attendance included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose presence underscored the Vatican’s ongoing advocacy for peace in conflict zones. The event also drew economic benefits to Rome, with local businesses in the Trastevere district reporting a surge in tourism from American pilgrims, who are known for generous spending and tipping. Pope Leo XIV’s prior connection to Nigeria, including nine visits as Prior General of the Augustinian Order, and his fluency in English with a Chicago accent, positioned him as a bridge between diverse global communities. As the Mass concluded, attendees expressed hope that his papacy would foster unity and address pressing issues like climate change and gun violence, themes he championed before his election.