A new viral video circulating online has captured a notable moment during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the Vatican — his son, Seyi Tinubu, was visibly prevented from greeting the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
The incident occurred during President Tinubu’s official visit to Rome, where he was among a select group of world leaders invited to witness the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and head of the global Roman Catholic Church.
In the video, Seyi Tinubu accompanied his father into the ceremonial gathering, likely as part of the Nigerian delegation. As President Tinubu stepped forward to shake hands with the Pope, who was flanked by senior clerics, Seyi attempted to follow suit, perhaps in an effort to also pay his respects.
However, in a diplomatic but firm gesture, a Vatican protocol officer intervened, positioning himself between Seyi and the pontiff. The official clearly signaled that the greeting was strictly for the President, effectively “bouncing” Seyi Tinubu from the handshake. Seyi stood by and watched as the Pope continued his formal interaction with his father.
This subtle but clear move has stirred conversation online, with many interpreting it as a strict enforcement of Vatican protocol — which traditionally limits direct papal greetings to invited dignitaries and heads of state, not accompanying family members or unofficial delegates.
The clip has prompted a wave of mixed reactions on social media. Some Nigerians found the moment amusing or even embarrassing, while others defended the Vatican’s formal approach, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established diplomatic customs during high-level religious ceremonies.
The moment, though minor in the context of international diplomacy, has become a symbolic flashpoint for discussions about etiquette, entitlement, and protocol, especially in high-profile global religious settings like the Vatican.
Watch the video below;
No be Seyi Tinubu dem bounce so? 😳😳
Who did that to Nigeria’s first son? pic.twitter.com/gYnxtcYBVm
— Harrison A 🎯🎯🎯 (@harreceipts) May 18, 2025
See reactions below;
@vian337 : E mistake Rome for Redeem church.
@Stanley2063698 : E bi like say them they bounce them out. The picture they’re talking is too much. See as that man hold bala blue, e bi like say him battery remain one percent 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.
@ceasarokoli : If not that they quickly realized that Tinubu is president, they had wanted to bounce him.
@princejH2O: I still de wait make dss disappear people as usual ( nans ) , even the thugs sef no see transport join them, in a civil society they will bow and obey the law , when they get back here our government arms will help them to destroy the rule of law while Nigerians suffer .
@nwaguofumunwagu : He was like, sir, I am the president’s son, Guard, it’s ok, but you have to obey the protocol.