President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on his historic election as the 267th Bishop of Rome and the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. The new Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, becomes the first American to hold the revered position, a milestone that has drawn widespread attention and global goodwill.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed profound joy and admiration for the newly elected pontiff. He described the development as a spiritual turning point for Catholics around the world and a reaffirmation of faith, peace, and unity at a time of global uncertainty.
Tinubu also used the opportunity to underscore the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between Nigeria and the Vatican. He commended the Catholic Church for its continued role in promoting peacebuilding, providing education, delivering quality healthcare, and supporting infrastructural development across Nigeria.
“The Catholic Church has consistently stood as a pillar of humanitarian service in our country,” the President’s message read. “From missionary schools and hospitals to advocacy for justice and human dignity, the Church has impacted countless lives. We believe Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will further strengthen these values globally and within Nigeria.”
President Tinubu noted that Pope Leo XIV’s message of hope and spiritual renewal is timely, especially for millions of faithful navigating global conflicts, economic hardship, and spiritual disillusionment. He expressed hope that the new pontiff’s reign would usher in a fresh era of compassion, inclusion, and meaningful dialogue among people of all faiths.
“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 to lead a world in search of peace, love, and reconciliation.”
Tinubu also extended warm felicitations to Catholic faithful in Nigeria, who represent one of the largest Catholic populations in Africa. He acknowledged the vibrant role of Nigerian clergy and laity in global Catholicism and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV.
In dioceses across Nigeria—from Lagos to Enugu, from Jos to Calabar—Catholics have expressed optimism about the future of the Church under its new leader. Many local bishops and parishioners have praised Tinubu’s message as a welcome gesture that affirms the place of religious tolerance in Nigeria’s diverse society.
Pope Leo XIV’s election follows the resignation of Pope Francis II due to health concerns. His elevation marks a shift in the Church’s leadership dynamics, with many analysts pointing to Cardinal Prevost’s administrative experience and progressive theological outlook as assets for addressing contemporary Church issues such as clerical abuse, climate change, and interfaith cooperation.
World leaders including former U.S. President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres have also issued statements of congratulations, reflecting the global significance of the papacy.
President Tinubu’s congratulatory message to Pope Leo XIV reflects not only a diplomatic formality but also a recognition of the Catholic Church’s deep-rooted impact on Nigerian society. As the world watches the unfolding of a new papal era, Nigeria’s government and its Catholic faithful appear united in prayer and hope for a Church that continues to champion justice, mercy, and peace.