*Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prays that God Almighty will ‘continuously shed his light of glory’ over His Holiness Leo XIV, as the new leader of the Catholic Church, and grant him good health and wisdom to reach the world with the message of peace and love

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his warmest congratulations to His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as the Bishop of Rome and new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Tinubu lauded The Conclave for electing the American Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.

The Nigerian leader also rejoiced with the leadership of and congregants of the Catholic Church in Nigeria on the historic election of the new Pontiff whose message of faith and hope already resonates across the globe, with a reassurance from the Scriptures of a more peaceful world.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement Thursday, May 8, 2025, disclosed President Tinubu affirmed the valued relations shared between Nigeria and the Holy See over many years.

The President also acknowledged the rewarding partnership with the Catholic Church in peace building, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and, more recently, the promotion of technology in advancing human capacity.

The statement further noted Tinubu “believes the election of Pope Leo XIV opens a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and the values of love, humanity and charity, particularly to the underprivileged that it has consistently projected.”

Onanuga stated Tinubu prayed that God Almighty would “continuously shed his light of glory over the new leader of the Catholic Church and grant him good health and wisdom so that he can reach the world with the message of peace and love.”