The Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has extended warm congratulations to Catholics in Nigeria and worldwide following the election of Pope Leo XIV, marking the conclusion of the Papal Conclave. In a statement by its National President, Prince Mosediq Kazeem, SAN, the group noted the election of Robert Prevost, the first American to become pope, as a notable event in the Catholic Church’s history.
“We commend the Catholic faithful in Nigeria for their steadfast prayers, unwavering devotion, and commitment to the spiritual well-being of the Church throughout this sacred process,” Kazeem said. “As the Catholic community in Nigeria joins the universal Church in welcoming the new Pontiff, we pray that his papacy will be blessed with wisdom, humility, and a deep dedication to the mission of peace, justice, and service to all humanity. May his leadership inspire renewed hope, strengthen faith, and advance the work of the Gospel both in Nigeria and across the world.”
The Ansar-ud-Deen Society emphasized its dedication to promoting interfaith harmony, referencing a Qur’anic verse: “….And you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers are those who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because among them are priests and monks, and because they are not arrogant.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:82).
“May Almighty Allah continue to bless the Catholic Church in Nigeria, strengthen the bonds of peace between our communities, and grant abundant grace to Pope Leo XIV as he leads the flock of Christ with compassion and justice,” Kazeem added.
Pope Leo XIV, previously Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on May 8, 2025, in Vatican City. He is a moderate with ties to Pope Francis and experience as a missionary in Peru, and is the Catholic Church’s 267th pontiff.¹