President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Roman Catholic Church and its global faithful on the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend to the papacy.
In a statement released Thursday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu hailed the emergence of Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome, describing it as a significant milestone for the Church and a beacon of hope for a peaceful world.
“The President felicitates the Conclave for electing the American Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome,” the statement read. “President Tinubu rejoices with the leadership of and congregants of the Catholic Church in Nigeria on the historic election of the new Pontiff, whose message of faith and hope already resonates across the globe.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s long-standing relationship with the Holy See, Tinubu acknowledged the Catholic Church’s contributions to education, healthcare, peacebuilding, and human development. He expressed confidence that Pope Leo XIV would further strengthen these values and champion the cause of the underprivileged.
President Tinubu also offered prayers for the new pope, asking that God grant him wisdom, good health, and the strength to spread the message of peace and love.
Tens of thousands of people gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican to witness Pope Leo XIV’s first address. In a speech that emphasized unity and reconciliation, the new pontiff said, “To all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole Earth, peace be with you.”
Pope Leo, who spent many years serving in Peru, delivered parts of his message in Spanish and praised his predecessor, the late Pope Francis. “We still keep in our ears that weak, but always courageous, voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome,” he said.
The election of Pope Leo XIV has drawn admiration from international leaders who welcomed the new papacy as a symbol of hope and a new chapter in global faith leadership. U.S. President Donald Trump described the moment as a great honour for America and anticipated a meaningful meeting with the new Pope. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed hope that Leo XIV would be a strong advocate for migrants, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog emphasized the potential for deeper Vatican-Israel ties and strengthened interfaith relations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced confidence in the continued collaboration between the Vatican and Moscow on shared Christian values, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted the Pope’s role as a moral compass for believers during turbulent times. Leaders from Spain, Poland, and the European Union echoed similar sentiments, viewing the papacy as an opportunity to enhance global dialogue, defend human rights, and promote peace.
What you should know
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, becomes the first American to lead the Catholic Church. His election has been embraced by world leaders, including President Tinubu, who described it as a new dawn for the Church’s mission of faith, hope, and service to humanity.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
