Tinubu to Pope Leo XIV: May You Reach the World With Your Message of Peace
On May 8, American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the 267th Bishop of Rome and leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Reacting to the development, Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, congratulated the new Pope and the Catholic faithful worldwide, describing the election as historic and spiritually significant.
In a statement released by the State House on Thursday, Tinubu praised the Conclave for their choice and extended warm wishes to Pope Leo XIV.
“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 reads in part.
He noted that Pope Leo’s message of faith and hope “already resonates across the globe, with a reassurance from the scriptures of a more peaceful world.”
Tinubu also acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the Holy See, highlighting the Catholic Church’s contributions to peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and technology in Nigeria.
“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,” the statement said.
He concluded with prayers for the new Pontiff, saying;
“May the Almighty God 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.”
