Why Pope Leo X1V chose President Tinubu – Bianca Ojukwu

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has explained that the pontiff’ extended his invitation to President Tinubu because of his connection to Nigeria.

Besides, the country accounts for one of the fastest growing Catholic communities in the world.

Bianca, who appeared on NTA Weekend File from Rome immediately after President Tinubu landed in Rome, said it was his connection to Nigeria that made Pope Leo XIV request the physical presence of the Nigerian leader.

Mrs. Ojukwu, who pointed to the connection between Pope Leo XIV and Nigeria, also noted that Nigeria accounts for one of the fastest-growing Catholic populations in the world.

She noted that Pope Leo XIV is not a stranger to Nigeria with his deep knowledge of the streets and chapels in Abuja and Maiduguri.

Speaking on how the Papal invitation and the presence of Nigeria led by the President could build a good relationship between the West African nation and the Vatican, Mrs Ojukwu added, “Of course, the new pontiff is the spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. As he had already mentioned, we’re living in a world punctuated by so many tensions, so many conflicts, so much unrest.

“Nigeria’s Catholic community understands the importance and the stabilizing effect the pontiff will bring to the New World Order.

“We of course, appreciate the fact that he has considered Nigeria a very, very important country in Africa, being, of course, the most populous nation in in in in Africa.

“And with the President’s foreign policy thrust, with the President’s concentration on ensuring that one of the key elements policing peace across the African continent, and also ensuring that there is religious tolerance across the country.

“I think it’s particularly significant that being a Muslim, he accepted this invitation to join in the Pontifical mass tomorrow.

“It says a lot about his approach to ensuring that he’s a president for all Nigerians, irrespective of creed, or religious affiliations.”

Tinubu was accompanied by Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Martins and Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more