President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as the Bishop of Rome and spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, President Tinubu commended the Conclave for choosing the American cleric, Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, as the 267th Bishop of Rome.
He celebrated the historic nature of the new Pontiff’s election, noting that Pope Leo XIV’s message of faith, hope, and peace had found global resonance.
“President Tinubu shares in the joy of the Catholic Church in Nigeria and around the world,” the statement read, “and appreciates the enduring and fruitful relationship between Nigeria and the Holy See.”
The President also acknowledged the Catholic Church’s significant contributions to Nigerian society through its roles in peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and infrastructure, as well as its recent involvement in technological development for human advancement.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that Pope Leo XIV’s ascension marks a new chapter for the Church, one that strengthens the ideals of love, compassion, and service to humanity, particularly to the underprivileged.
He prayed that God would bless the new Pope with good health and wisdom in his mission to spread the gospel of peace and love across the world.