In a significant diplomatic moment ahead of the grand Mass inaugurating the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Nigeria’s leader arrived in Rome to a warm and gracious reception by none other than His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the powerful Secretary of State of the Vatican.
The high-level dinner hosted by Cardinal Parolin was more than a courtesy—it was a symbol of deepening ties between Nigeria and the Holy See. “Our dialogue was marked by a spirit of fraternity and a shared vision for the future,” the President disclosed, highlighting the robust exchange of views on peace, mutual respect, and global solidarity.
The Nigerian leader didn’t mince words in expressing profound gratitude to the Vatican for its unwavering goodwill towards the Nigerian people. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s “commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation in an increasingly polarised world.”
Cementing Nigeria’s image as a bridge-builder on the global stage, the President concluded: “As always, Nigeria remains a nation open to friendship, grounded in faith, and committed to building bridges of understanding across the world.”
This rare convergence of spiritual leadership and state diplomacy marks a renewed chapter in the enduring relationship between Africa’s most populous nation and the heart of global Catholicism.
