President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (L) Pope Leo XIV (R)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Catholic Church following the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome and new head of the Roman Catholic Church, now known as Pope Leo XIV.

In a statement released on Thursday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the election as historic and expressed joy on behalf of the Nigerian people and the Catholic faithful across the country.

The president also conveyed prayers for a successful papacy, asking that God grant the new pontiff wisdom, strength, and enduring health to lead the Church and continue promoting global peace and compassion.

“The President felicitates the Conclave for electing American Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome,” the statement read. “President Tinubu rejoices with the leadership 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.”

Highlighting the long-standing relations between Nigeria and the Vatican, Tinubu commended the Catholic Church’s contributions to peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and community development in Nigeria. He also acknowledged the Church’s efforts in leveraging technology to improve human capacity, especially among the underprivileged.

The president expressed optimism that Pope Leo XIV’s election would usher in a new era of renewed commitment to the Church’s core values of love, charity, and unity.

Pope Leo XIV emerged as the first pope from the United States on Thursday, following a conclave of cardinals at the Vatican. Stepping onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, the new pontiff greeted tens of thousands of worshippers and extended a global message of peace.

“To all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole Earth, peace be with you,” the pope said, drawing warm applause. He pledged to lead a church that “builds bridges” through dialogue and openness and paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away last month.