As Pope Leo XIV assumes office, the Catholic faithful in Nigeria have urged him to prioritize uniting a fragmented world. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) congratulated him on his emergence as the new Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, assuring him of their allegiance, prayers, and support.
Congratulatory Messages
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also congratulated the Roman Catholic Church on the election of Pope Leo XIV. CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, said the papal transition showcases the church’s commitment to dignity, honor, and spiritual discernment. Ugorji stated, “In the joy of the Easter season, we add our voice in thanking God for the successful completion of the conclave, which ended with the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.”
Expectations from Pope Leo XIV
Various Catholic leaders have expressed their expectations from the new Pope. Some of the key expectations include¹:
- Uniting a Fragmented World: Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, urged Pope Leo XIV to unite a fragmented world around the fraternity of a common humanity through promotion of dialogue among religions and the message of love and care for humanity and the environment.
- Championing the Cause of the Poor: Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikk Umoh, National Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, expects Pope Leo XIV to continue championing the cause of the poor and marginalized, raising awareness about global issues like oppression, exploitation, and suppression.
- Interfaith Dialogue: Umoh also expects the new Pope to further consolidate Pope Francis’ efforts in interfaith dialogue and human fraternity.
Pope Leo XIV’s Background
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first North American and first Peruvian pontiff. He was elected on May 8, 2025, and chose the name Leo XIV, inspired by Pope Leo XIII. As a seasoned pastor, teacher, and formator, Pope Leo XIV has been urged to clarify certain messages from Pope Francis that were not fully understood by some Catholics and non-Catholics.
Call to Action
Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, Executive Secretary of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), called on Pope Leo XIV to follow the tradition of the church, take the issue of ecumenism seriously, and build on his predecessor’s initiatives. Omonokhua said, “There’s nothing like an American Pope. It is hoped that he will be able to influence the American President, Donald Trump, to do the right thing since America is a world power.”
