The Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godono, has said that Pope Leo XIV is widely seen as a spiritual leader who will continue the values and legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Godono made the remark during a recent conversation with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), shortly after the new pontiff was elected.
Pope Francis, who served as the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church for over a decade, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death marked the end of a significant chapter in the Church’s history, one defined by efforts toward unity, humility, and global peace.
Fr. Godono noted that the newly elected Pope Leo XIV is expected to uphold these same ideals. “Pope Leo XIV is expected to keep the church united and continue to preach peace to the world,” he said.
He further noted that the pope is not just a religious figure but also a global symbol of unity and peace. According to him, the new Pope is seen by many as God’s chosen shepherd to lead the Catholic Church through this next chapter.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, officially became the new head of the Church after a second round of voting concluded on Thursday. The first round of votes held the day before had not led to a consensus. He was selected by a conclave of 133 cardinals from across the world.
The new pope makes history in several ways. He is the first North American and the first U.S.-born Pope in the Church’s history. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV has a strong academic and religious background.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in 1977 and later obtained a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1982.
His education also includes a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, which he completed in 1984 and 1987, respectively. He is a member of the Order of St. Augustine.
Many observers believe that Pope Leo XIV will carry forward the peaceful and inclusive approach that Pope Francis became known for. His selection has been seen as a signal that the Church intends to stay on the path of reform, dialogue, and openness in a changing world.
Fr. Godono expressed optimism about the future under the new pope, noting that his background and experiences position him well to guide the Church with wisdom and compassion.
