Nigerian President Praises Election of First American Pontiff

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has offered his heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV following his election as the 267th Bishop of Rome, marking a historic moment as the first American to ascend to the papacy. In a statement released on May 8, 2025, President Tinubu commended the Conclave for electing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago, as the new spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

President Tinubu expressed his joy and solidarity with the Catholic Church in Nigeria, highlighting that Pope Leo XIV’s message of faith and hope resonates globally, offering a vision of a more peaceful world. He acknowledged the longstanding and fruitful relationship between Nigeria and the Holy See, emphasizing their collaborative efforts in peacebuilding, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and the promotion of technology to advance human capacity.

The President further prayed for divine guidance for Pope Leo XIV, wishing him good health and wisdom to lead the Church in spreading messages of peace and love. He expressed confidence that the new pontiff’s leadership would usher in a new chapter in the Church’s history, reinforcing values of love, humanity, and charity, particularly towards the underprivileged.

The election of Pope Leo XIV is seen as a significant milestone for the Catholic Church, reflecting its global nature and the diverse backgrounds of its leaders. His papacy is anticipated to continue the legacy of his predecessors, focusing on social justice, peace, and outreach to marginalized communities.