Tinubu Among Dignitaries Present as Pope Leo XIV Holds Inaugural Mass in Rome
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined fellow global leaders for the inauguration of Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native, as the 267th Pope.
Pope Leo XIV, who assumed leadership of the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide on May 8, was seen in a white vehicle as it passed through enthusiastic crowds, smiling, waving, and making the sign of the cross.
The first pontiff from the United States made his inaugural appearance in St Peter’s Square on Sunday in a popemobile, greeting tens of thousands of pilgrims and supporters prior to his inauguration mass.
US Vice President JD Vance is among the numerous dignitaries expected to attend the inauguration mass commencing at 10:00 am (0800 GMT).
Leo will lead the ceremony, which is rich in traditions and symbols, during which he will receive his distinctive papal ring before delivering a homily that will establish the tone for his papacy.
