President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following his visit to the Vatican City, where he attended the official inauguration of the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

The President arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday, where he was warmly received by top government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

During the event held in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, President Tinubu was among several world leaders who exchanged greetings with the newly installed Bishop of Rome. The Nigerian leader shook hands with Pope Leo XIV and engaged in a short conversation before continuing along the reception line.

The inaugural Mass, which drew global attention, also featured dignitaries such as U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, both of whom were seen greeting the new Pope in a similar manner.

President Tinubu’s trip to Rome followed the invitation of the pope.