From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Tinubu praised His Holiness Leo XIV for his historic election and leadership role
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President felicitated with the Conclave for electing the American Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.
He rejoiced with the leadership and congregants of the Catholic Church in Nigeria on the historic election of the new Pontiff, whose message of faith and hope already resonates across the globe, with a reassurance from the scriptures of a more peaceful world.
The President affirmed 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.
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, which it has consistently projected.
President Tinubu prayed that the Almighty God would 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.