President Bola Tinubu joined other global figures to witness the historic inauguration of Robert Francis Prevost, who now serves as the 267th pope under the name Leo XIV.
The Chicago-born cleric, who officially took over leadership of the Catholic Church on May 8, was greeted with enthusiasm as he toured St. Peter’s Square in the traditional popemobile.
With smiles, waves, and blessings, he interacted warmly with the large crowd gathered in his honour.
This milestone marks the first time a U.S. citizen has ascended to the papacy.
Ahead of the formal inauguration mass, tens of thousands of Catholic faithful assembled in Vatican City. U.S. Vice President JD Vance was among the prominent attendees expected at the 10 a.m. (0800 GMT) mass.
The ceremonial event includes the bestowal of a papal ring and a homily that will shed light on the tone of Leo XIV’s leadership.
The 69-year-old may be unfamiliar to many, but his past work as a missionary in Peru has shaped his pastoral outlook.
In recent days, he has addressed journalists, clergy, and diplomats, calling for global peace and advocating for social justice.
Pope Leo also underlined his commitment to core Catholic beliefs, such as the necessity of a family rooted in the union of a man and a woman and the protection of unborn children.
“I came very early because he’s already touched my heart,” said 71-year-old Inacia Lisboa, a Cape Verdean living in Rome.
“When asked what she hoped to hear from the new pontiff, she said, “That he prays for all of us, and for peace around the world—we need it so much.”