Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has shared a picture of himself having dinner with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, in Rome, Italy
The dinner took place shortly after President Tinubu’s arrival in Rome, where he was attending the solemn installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, according to PUNCH.
The intimate dinner hosted by Cardinal Parolin was a significant gesture, underscoring the warm diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.
It also highlighted the importance of the Tinubu family’s presence in Rome during this historic occasion. Seyi Tinubu’s social media post, on Instagram, featuring the dinner, drew attention to the close interactions between Nigerian dignitaries and top Vatican officials, reflecting the mutual respect and collaboration between the two entities.
President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Rome was by special invitation from Pope Leo XIV, conveyed through Cardinal Parolin. The invitation emphasized the critical role Nigeria plays in global affairs and the Pope’s personal connection to the country, having served in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.
The president’s entourage included prominent Nigerian Catholic leaders such as Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop Alfred Martins, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, further cementing the strong ties between Nigeria’s political leadership and its Catholic community.
The dinner and subsequent events in Rome symbolize Nigeria’s growing influence in international diplomacy, particularly in religious and interfaith dialogue.
Seyi Tinubu’s public sharing of the dinner moment serves not only as a personal highlight but also as a testament to Nigeria’s active engagement on the world stage during a momentous occasion for the Catholic Church.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate amid global challenges, the presence and interactions of Nigerian leaders at the Vatican signal a commitment to fostering peace, unity, and cooperation across nations and faiths.
