In an unexpected diplomatic moment that has sparked conversations both at home and abroad, Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was on Sunday politely but firmly denied access to greet the newly elected Pope Leo XIV during his grand inauguration ceremony held at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.The high-profile event, attended by global dignitaries, religious leaders, monarchs, and heads of state, marked the official commencement of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy following the passing of Pope Francis earlier this year. Nigeria, represented by a delegation from the Presidency and the Nigerian Catholic Church, was among the African nations present at the solemn yet celebratory occasion.Seyi Tinubu, who was part of the Nigerian delegation, was reportedly eager to pay his respects to the newly enthroned pontiff. However, as he moved toward the ceremonial platform alongside other international guests, security operatives and Vatican protocol officers intervened, redirecting him away from the greeting line reserved strictly for presidents, monarchs, prime ministers, and top-ranking clergy.Eyewitnesses told FrontNaija that while Seyi appeared calm and composed throughout the encounter, the brief moment of tension did not go unnoticed by other delegates. Some murmured about the lack of clarity regarding his official status, which may have led to the incident.A senior Vatican source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, clarified that access to the Pope during such ceremonies is guided strictly by diplomatic protocols. “The Holy Father is available to receive greetings from official state representatives or those explicitly cleared by the Papal Secretariat. Mr. Seyi Tinubu did not fall within that category,” the source said.Back home, the incident has stirred reactions on social media, with some Nigerians questioning the composition of the delegation and the role of family members of political leaders in international functions. Others, however, defended Seyi, noting that he may have been invited in a personal or goodwill capacity.As of press time, neither the Nigerian Presidency nor Seyi Tinubu himself had released an official statement regarding the incident.
