President Bola Tinubu has reacted to the election of the first-ever American pope, His Holiness Leo XIV.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church was chosen on Thursday evening.
In a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu hailed the selection of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States, who now becomes the 267th pope.
“President Bola Tinubu offers his warmest congratulations to His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as the Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church,” the statement read.
Following the election, Pope Leo XIV addressed a cheering crowd from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, calling for peace and paying tribute to his predecessor, the late Pope Francis.
President Tinubu praised the Conclave for its choice and joined Catholics in Nigeria and around the world in celebrating the moment.
“His message of faith and hope already resonates across the globe, with a reassurance from the scriptures of a more peaceful world,” Tinubu noted.
He highlighted the close relationship between Nigeria and the Vatican, appreciating the Catholic Church’s role in promoting peace, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology in Nigeria.
He said, “The President affirms the valued relations shared between Nigeria and the Holy See over many years while acknowledging the rewarding partnership with the Catholic Church in peacebuilding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and, more recently, the promotion of technology in advancing human capacity.
“President Tinubu believes the election of Pope Leo XIV opens a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and the values of love, humanity and charity, particularly to the underprivileged that it has consistently projected.
“President Tinubu prays that the Almighty God will continuously shed his light of glory over the new leader of the Catholic Church and grant him good health and wisdom so that he can reach the world with the message of peace and love.”
