The Vatican has a remarkable way of leveling the field — reminding everyone, no matter how powerful, of the humility required in sacred spaces. It’s something I witnessed firsthand not long ago, during the funeral mass of Pope Francis.
On that solemn day, as President Donald Trump was escorted to his seat at St. Peter’s Basilica, a crowd of dignitaries formed around him, eager for a moment of recognition. But a neatly dressed, firm-looking priest stepped forward and shut down the scene with quiet authority: “Scusi. This is St. Peter’s Basilica, not the White House. Kindly take your seats please.” With that, the political theater gave way to reverence.
Fast-forward to the recent installation mass of Pope Leo XIV. Our Nigerian delegation, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arrived early enough at St. Peter’s Square to settle in, greet others, and soak in the historic atmosphere. Despite the grandeur of the occasion, what struck me most was the simplicity enforced by the setting. In the Vatican, no matter your status, you sit outdoors in the glaring sun. There are no exceptions — not for presidents, cardinals, or kings.
As we made our way in, I spotted former Governors Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi already seated. After the President was comfortably settled, I walked over to greet them, and they both graciously agreed to join me in paying respects to the President. President Tinubu received them warmly, his mood light and humorous, a welcome contrast to the tense formality of such gatherings. They shared a brief moment before returning to their seats.
Then came a moment of drama — a man seated directly in front of me suddenly slumped mid-mass, overcome by heatstroke. It was Seyi Tinubu who quickly sprang into action, rushing all the way to the vestibule to fetch a bottle of water. That simple act may have saved the man’s life, keeping him stable until paramedics arrived.
President Tinubu, despite the blazing Roman sun and the three-hour ceremony, remained composed throughout, following every rite except receiving Communion. Afterwards, he mingled with Nigerian clergy, posing for photos and exchanging warm greetings.
And yes, it must be said — his finely tailored “power suit” didn’t go unnoticed. Striding confidently toward the new pontiff, President Tinubu cut an admirable figure of African leadership on the global stage.
Vatican 2025 will remain etched in my memory as a powerful encounter of faith, diplomacy, and shared humanity. From the formality of papal rituals to the spontaneous.
