President Bola Tinubu joined world leaders in Rome on Sunday for the installation Mass of the newly elected Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
Following the solemn ceremony held at St. Peter’s Square, the U.S.-born Pope greeted several dignitaries, including President Tinubu, with a handshake and brief exchange of words. Tinubu then moved along as the Pope continued receiving other global leaders.
Among those who also met the Pope were U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and other heads of state and high-level representatives from across the world.
During the Mass, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful homily, calling on the global community to end the exploitation of nature and the marginalisation of the poor. He urged the Church to serve as a force for unity, compassion, and transformation in a world increasingly marked by division and hate.
The installation marks the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, with the new pontiff setting a tone focused on justice, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion.
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