Pope Leo Mentions Where He Once Worked in Nigeria While Living in Lagos
- Pope Leo XIV has opened up about his past connection to Nigeria, as he stated that he once worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s
- In a significant diplomatic gesture, the Pope extended an invitation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urged his presence at a solemn mass in Rome
- Accompanied by top Catholic leaders, President Tinubu departed Abuja and eventually landed in Rome to witness Pope Leo XIV's Pontificate
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged his past connection to Nigeria, specifically Lagos, in a recent letter of invitation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Pontiff mentioned that he had once worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s, highlighting his familiarity with the nation and its people.
Source: Twitter
Tinubu in Rome after Pope’s invitation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was scheduled to depart Abuja for Rome, Italy, on Saturday following an invitation from Pope Leo XIV.
The President, accompanied by key Catholic leaders, attended a solemn mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. As the 267th Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV had officially assumed leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.
Pope's invitation highlights importance of Tinubu’s presence
In the invitation sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo XIV depicted the significance of President Tinubu’s attendance at the event.
He stated that this was “a moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts.”
President Tinubu’s delegation accompanies him to Rome
The Nigerian leader’s entourage included notable figures such as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Additionally, key Catholic figures such as Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, were among those accompanying the President.
This historic visit reaffirmed Pope Leo XIV’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria while strengthening diplomatic ties between the nation and the Vatican.
Source: Twitter
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected as the 267th Bishop of Rome on May 8, 2025, becoming the first American pope.
A member of the Augustinian Order, he previously served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and spent years as a missionary in Peru.
He holds degrees in mathematics and canon law and has been recognised for his commitment to church unity and social justice.
His papacy is expected to focus on technological advancements, global migration, and environmental concerns, continuing the reforms initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
What'll Pope Leo XIV earn as salary?
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Pope, as the supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church, commanded the spiritual devotion of over a billion Catholics worldwide.
Despite holding one of the most recognisable roles globally and governing a sovereign state, he did not receive a conventional salary, according to DailyMail UK.
Instead, the Vatican, the smallest independent country in the world, provided for all his needs, including accommodation, food, travel, healthcare, and security.
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Source: Legit.ng
