Nigeria Congratulates Pope Leo XIV on Historic Election…
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has extended warm congratulations to the global Catholic community on the election of Pope Leo XIV, as the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, expressed Nigeria’s joy and prayers for the new Pope’s divine wisdom, strength, and guidance.
“Nigeria rejoices with the global Catholic community on this momentous and historic occasion and prays for divine wisdom, strength, and guidance for the new Pope as he assumes this sacred responsibility.
“We are confident that with his wealth of experience and devotion, His Holiness will lead with compassion, humility, and a steadfast commitment to peace, unity, and the spiritual well-being of humanity.
“As a nation with a significant and large Catholic population, Nigeria values the enduring relationship between the Holy See and our country. We therefore look forward to continued collaboration in promoting interfaith dialogue, harmony, social justice, and the common good of all people.
“Once again, Nigeria congratulates Pope Leo XIV and the entire Catholic faithful. May his papacy be blessed with grace and profound impact on the world”, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, stated.
The New Pope Visited Nigeria in 2016 as the head of Augustinians. St John of The Cross Mararaba and St Augustine College, New Karu were among the places visited
– Pope Leo XIV’s Background: Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1955, the new Pope has a wealth of experience in pastoral and administrative roles within the Catholic Church.
– Nigeria’s Relationship with the Holy See: Nigeria values its enduring relationship with the Holy See and looks forward to continued collaboration in promoting interfaith dialogue, harmony, social justice, and the common good of all people.
– Papal Election: Pope Leo XIV was elected on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in the fourth ballot of the conclave, becoming the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Nigerian government wishes Pope Leo XIV a papacy blessed with grace and profound impact on the world.
