President Bola Tinubu exchanged a handshake with the newly appointed Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday.
The US-born pontiff greeted numerous global leaders in St Peter’s Square after the conclusion of the inauguration mass.
Among the leaders who also exchanged greetings with the Pope were US Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Tinubu participated in the installation mass held in Rome, Italy, marking the official commencement of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy.
During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV outlined the direction of his leadership, urging an end to environmental exploitation and the marginalization of the poor.
Though relatively unknown to many Catholics, the 69-year-old has begun revealing his vision for the Church following two decades as a missionary in Peru.
In recent meetings with journalists, clergy, and diplomats, he repeatedly advocated for peace amid global conflicts and supported principles of social justice.
He also reaffirmed traditional Catholic teachings, such as the sanctity of a family rooted in a “stable union of a man and a woman,” and the protection of unborn life.
Leo’s rise to the papacy has sparked excitement in the United States, which was represented at the mass by Vice President Vance, a Catholic convert since 2019, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Before assuming his new role, the Pope’s now-deactivated personal X account had reposted criticisms of former President Donald Trump’s migration policies and had also criticized Vance.
Fisherman’s Ring
Leo XIV was elected pope on May 8 through a secret conclave of cardinals that concluded in less than 24 hours.
He succeeds the dynamic yet unpredictable Pope Francis, inheriting a Church still grappling with the aftermath of clerical abuse scandals and the challenges of modern relevance.
Despite the changing times, the inauguration maintained its deep-rooted traditions.
Leo began the proceedings by visiting the tomb of Saint Peter, recognized in Christian tradition as one of Jesus Christ’s Twelve Apostles and the Church’s first pope, located beneath the altar of the basilica bearing his name.
Following this, he received the papal insignia — the pallium, worn over his robe, and the fisherman’s ring, uniquely crafted for each pope and worn until death, after which it will be destroyed.
Alongside cardinals and other clergy, Leo processed into St Peter’s Square, where large screens broadcasted the ceremony to thousands of attendees.
At the ceremony’s conclusion, the Pope extended greetings to the assembled heads of state, though it remains uncertain whether any will receive a private audience.
What you should know
President Tinubu attended the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV’s installation, where the new pontiff a US native, emphasized social justice, traditional values, and environmental stewardship.
Tinubu briefly greeted the Pope during the event, which maintained strong traditional rites and attracted leaders from across the globe.
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