Roman Catholic Church elects first American-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV
…As Tinubu congratulates Pope, hails election
The Roman Catholic Church has entered a transformative new chapter with the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope, adopting the papal name Leo XIV.
His election is a historic milestone, marking the first time an American-born pontiff has ascended to the papacy and the first member of the Augustinian order to do so. The announcement followed the traditional white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signalling the conclave’s decision.
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025. The conclave, which convened on May 7, 2025, elected Prevost as the new leader of the global Church following four ballots.
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, delivered the customary Habemus Papam proclamation from the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Pope Leo XIV then appeared on the balcony, where he greeted the gathered faithful and imparted his first Urbi et Orbi blessing.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1956, Prevost was ordained a priest in the Augustinian order and later served in Peru, where he became a prominent figure within the Church. His appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023 raised his profile as a potential papal candidate. His election is regarded as a bridge between the Church’s deep-rooted traditions and its evolving global identity.
In his first address, Pope Leo XIV called for unity and peace, underscoring the dignity of all people and the Church’s unwavering commitment to social justice. He acknowledged the world’s pressing challenges, such as conflicts, poverty, and environmental degradation, and vowed to carry forward the work of his predecessors in advocating for peace and solidarity.
The election has sparked a range of reactions across the globe. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism that the constructive dialogue between Russia and the Vatican, rooted in shared Christian values, would continue. In Gaza, the Christian community voiced hope that Pope Leo XIV would persist in his advocacy for peace in the region.
In New Zealand, Bishop Steve Lowe of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference affirmed his trust in the Holy Spirit and the College of Cardinals, stating that Pope Leo XIV was the right leader for the Church at this critical time.
…Tinubu congratulates Pope, hails election
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ever hold the papal office.
In a statement issued on Thursday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as a historic moment and praised the conclave for what he called “an inspired choice.”
“President Bola Tinubu offers his warmest congratulations to His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as the Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church,” the statement read partly.
“His message of faith and hope already resonates across the globe, with a reassurance from the scriptures of a more peaceful world,” the president said.
He also acknowledged the long-standing and fruitful relationship between Nigeria and the Vatican.
“The President affirms the valued relations shared between Nigeria and the Holy See over many years while acknowledging the rewarding partnership with the Catholic Church in peacebuilding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and, more recently, the promotion of technology in advancing human capacity,” the statement added.
President Tinubu emphasised that the election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter for the Church and the values it represents.
He added by offering prayers for the new pope: “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.”
As the Catholic Church enters this new era, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership is set to influence the Church’s direction, balancing tradition with the challenges of a rapidly changing world. His papacy will be closely watched as he addresses global issues while maintaining the core teachings of the Catholic faith.
The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will celebrate his first public mass as pontiff on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Saint Peter’s Basilica, inviting Catholics worldwide to join in prayer and reflection.
