President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja following his diplomatic visit to Rome, where he attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.

The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday evening and was welcomed by several high-ranking officials, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.

During his visit to Rome, President Tinubu described the occasion as historic, particularly significant as he represented Nigeria at the inauguration of the new Pope. The President used the opportunity to advocate for national unity, urging Nigerians to harness their diversity for prosperity rather than division.

"If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country's hope is stability and progress," Tinubu stated during his visit.

A highlight of the President's visit was his meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, who were part of his delegation to attend Pope Leo XIV's installation Mass on Sunday. During this meeting, Tinubu, who is Muslim, called on leaders at all levels to prioritize the welfare of citizens.

Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for facilitating their visit to the Vatican. The Archbishop noted that this development signals "a new era of a more robust relationship between the President and the Catholic Bishops' Conference."

"You are always there for us. Now that you have come to the Vatican, whenever we have our conference in Nigeria, we will also invite you, and we look forward to interfacing with you just as you were able to do with the Holy Father," Archbishop Ugorji stated.

Other prominent Catholic leaders present at the meeting included Archbishops Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese.

The President's participation in this significant Catholic event demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to interfaith dialogue and religious harmony, even as the nation continues to address various domestic challenges.