VATICAN CITY – The Vatican, known for its solemnity and symbolism, once again played host to global dignitaries during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV — a ceremony marked by reverence, order, and a quiet but notable Nigerian presence led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A personal account by a Nigerian attendee at the event sheds light on the atmosphere at St Peter’s Square, where order and humility were the guiding principles, regardless of status or rank.
Recalling a previous experience during the funeral of Pope Francis, the attendee noted how a bustling crowd trying to greet former U.S. President Donald Trump was swiftly cautioned by a priest: “Scusi, this is St Peter’s, not the White House.” The priest’s stern intervention emphasized the Vatican’s commitment to preserving the sanctity of its rituals.
During this year’s papal installation, however, the Nigerian delegation maintained decorum. President Tinubu arrived early, warmly receiving former Governors Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi, who approached him respectfully to pay their regards. The brief exchange was cordial, and unlike the earlier funeral scene, drew no rebuke from Vatican ushers.
Yet, back home, images of the exchange sparked debate on social media, with some critics twisting a routine act of courtesy into political drama. “Let’s agree that many people just had the casual urge to create a giant mountain out of a mini molehill,” the attendee remarked, urging calm and cultural perspective.
The event also highlighted the Vatican’s egalitarian setting. With no air-conditioned tents or VIP comforts, attendees—regardless of rank—braved the sun. One man fainted from heatstroke, only to be aided swiftly by Seyi Tinubu, who offered him a bottle of water until medical teams arrived. Notably, no one reached for their phones to film the moment—a sharp contrast to norms elsewhere.
President Tinubu was praised for enduring the three-hour mass without complaint, even declining a sun shield. He stood and sat through every rite, though he refrained from taking Holy Communion. After the mass, he mingled with young Nigerian priests and seminarians, taking selfies and exchanging greetings, much to their delight.
Of particular note was Tinubu’s striking appearance in a well-fitted Western suit—prompting admiration from Nigerians more accustomed to seeing him in traditional attire. His presence at such a significant Catholic event, despite being Muslim, was seen by many as a powerful gesture of religious harmony.
“This was a pivotal moment. A Muslim attending a historic Catholic mass at the heart of the Vatican—a symbolic demonstration of coexistence,” the attendee noted, celebrating what they called “a stellar outing for Nigeria.”
Capturing key moments on a personal phone, the observer concluded with a nod to the famed music video caption: “Clarence shot it.” In this case: “Ms B shot it.”
Vatican’25, they said, was not just another diplomatic event — it was a profound spiritual and cultural experience that highlighted Nigeria’s unity and global presence.
