President Bola Tinubu, United States President, Donald Trump, and Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the last general election, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Robert Cardinal Francis Prevost, who was announced on Thursday as the new Pope of the Catholic Church, succeeding the late Pope Francis.
Their messages of felicitation followed the conclusion of the papal conclave, during which Prevost was elected by the College of Cardinals to lead the global Catholic community as its new spiritual head.
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Pope, taking the name Leo XIV.
His emergence followed the conclusion of the conclave in Vatican City, and he now succeeds the late Pope Francis.
The announcement, made by French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti with the traditional phrase “Habemus Papam” (We have a Pope), was greeted by cheers from tens of thousands of worshippers gathered at St. Peter’s Square.
Prevost, 69, becomes the first Pope from the United States and is known for his close ties with his predecessor, Pope Francis.
A moderate and experienced Church leader, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to a jubilant crowd, waving and addressing them simply: “Peace be with you.”
The smoke signal, a tradition dating back centuries, turned white around 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) on Thursday, signifying the successful election after several rounds of voting over two days.
The conclave of 133 cardinal-electors, representing over 70 countries, had gathered with a mandate to choose a spiritual leader who could navigate the Church through complex global and internal challenges.
Robert Cardinal Francis Prevost: The Journey to the Papacy
Prior to his election, Pope Leo XIV served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing global bishop appointments.
A Chicago-born member of the Augustinian order, he has spent decades in missionary work in Peru, where he also served as Bishop of Chiclayo. With academic credentials in mathematics, theology, and canon law, and a track record as a global superior of the Augustinians, his leadership credentials were widely recognized within the Church.
Congratulatory Messages Pour In
U.S. President Donald Trump was quick to extend his congratulations, celebrating the milestone of having an American Pope.
“Congratulations to Robert Cardinal Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honour for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”, Trump shared on Truth Social.
In Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also conveyed his warm regards. Through a statement by his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the conclave for its decision and highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Nigeria and the Holy See.
“President 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.
“President Tinubu prays that the Almighty God will 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,” the statement read.
Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s last elections, Mr. Peter Obi, joined in commending the Church and the College of Cardinals.
He said, “I wholeheartedly congratulate His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on his election as the Supreme Pontiff and spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
“His emergence at this critical time in the life of the Church and the world is a profound blessing – one that reaffirms the enduring presence of divine guidance in our shared human journey.
“I commend the College of Cardinals for once again demonstrating the Church’s timeless wisdom through prayerful discernment, unity, and fidelity to her sacred traditions. Their decision reflects spiritual depth, attentive listening, and an unwavering openness to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
“To the faithful who joined in fervent prayer throughout the conclave, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Our collective petitions have not been in vain. We now celebrate the gift of a new shepherd to lead the flock with courage, love, and truth.
“The inaugural address of Pope Leo XIV was both reassuring and inspiring. It radiated humility, moral clarity, and a renewed call to justice, peace, and solidarity with the most vulnerable.
“In a world overwhelmed by division and despair, his words have rekindled hope in the hearts of millions.
“A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo XIV is a seasoned missionary, a respected canon lawyer, and the former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His decades of pastoral service, especially in Peru, and his global ecclesial experience are invaluable gifts to the Universal Church and the whole world.
“As a firm believer in moral leadership, I pray that his pontificate will be marked by deep spiritual renewal, courageous dialogue, unwavering service to humanity, and fidelity to the Gospel message.
“May God bless and guide Pope Leo XIV as he assumes the sacred responsibility of leading the Church through the complexities of our everchanging world.”
Church Leaders Reinforce Autonomy of Papal Election
Amid widespread celebrations, the Justice Development Peace Commission of the Catholic Church in Nigeria emphasized that the election of the new Pope was devoid of political influence, including any involvement from President Trump.
Speaking from Lagos, JDPC Badagry Deanery Chairman Mr. Onyema Onyekakeye affirmed that the process strictly adhered to ecclesiastical tradition, noting, “The Catholic Church is the most disciplined and organised institution in the world. It has her laid down ways of doing things and critical decisions like the selection of a new Pope follow strictly known procedures and subjected to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
Also echoing this sentiment, Mr. Joe Ahanna of JDPC’s St. Peter and Paul Parish, Tedi Ojo, said, “We welcome and pray for the success of Pope Leo XIV as he leads the flock to divine transformation.”
As the world ushers in a new era under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, the messages of hope, unity, and divine purpose resound across continents, signaling a renewed journey for the global Catholic community.
