Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has joined other world leaders to congratulate the new Pope, Robert Prevost of Chicago, who was elected Thursday as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV.
In a statement released by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu felicitated with “The Conclave for electing the American Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.”
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The President affirmed the valued relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, acknowledging their rewarding partnership in peace-building, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology advancement.
Tinubu celebrated the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, whose “message of faith and hope already resonates across the globe,” and expressed belief that his election “opens a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and the values of love, humanity and charity.” The President prayed for the Pope’s good health and wisdom as he carries his message of peace and love worldwide.
Other world leaders have also extended their congratulations to the first American pontiff in history, who succeeds Pope Francis following his death on Easter Monday at age 88.
U.S. President Donald Trump called the election “a great honour for our country” on his Truth Social platform, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised Pope Leo XIV’s first address as “a powerful call for peace, brotherhood and responsibility.”
Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that the Pope provides “hope and guidance to millions of believers worldwide during these times of great challenges,” while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for “continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the world’s need for strong voices supporting peace and human dignity, expressing eagerness to build on cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See.
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Pope Leo XIV, ordained in 1982, brings significant global pastoral experience to his new role, having served as a missionary in Peru and held leadership positions within the Augustinian Order. His work has included visits to Augustinian communities across Nigeria. He now leads the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics during what many leaders describe as a time of significant global challenges.
