Tinubu congratulates Pope Leo XIV on election as new Catholic leader
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new Pope and Bishop of Rome, describing the occasion as historic and uplifting for Catholics worldwide.
He also commended the conclave of cardinals for electing American-born Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
In a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the new pontiff’s message of faith and hope was already resonating globally, offering reassurance of a more peaceful world.
The President extended his goodwill to the Church leadership and millions of Catholic faithful in Nigeria, noting the strong and longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the Holy See.
Tinubu praised the Catholic Church’s contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in peacebuilding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and, more recently, technological advancement to improve human capacity.
“The election of Pope Leo XIV opens a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and reinforces its core values of love, humanity, and charity, particularly toward the underprivileged,” Tinubu stated.
He prayed for divine guidance and strength for the new Pope, asking God to grant him good health and wisdom to advance the message of peace and love globally.
