President Bola Tinubu has extended a heartfelt congratulatory message to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV following his election as the 267th Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Pope, formerly known as Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost from the United States, was recently elected to lead over 1.3 billion Catholics around the world.
The Nigerian leader, speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, sent his best wishes on Thursday, just days after the historic conclave in Vatican City. President Tinubu noted that the choice of Pope Leo XIV represents a beacon of hope, particularly in a time when global peace and spiritual unity are needed more than ever.
He also noted the special bond between Nigeria and the Holy See, which he said has flourished through shared efforts in peacebuilding, humanitarian work, and social development.
The congratulatory message read in part: “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.
“We believe 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.
“I pray 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.”
