“Upon the personal invitation” of Pope Leo XIV, Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, joined other world leaders as well as millions of Catholics “in witnessing the beginning of a new papacy”.
President Tinubu descried Nigeria “as a nation of deep faith and great diversity”, saying, the West African country “remains committed to building bridges across belief, race, and continent—for peace, for progress, and for all of humanity”.
Pope Leo XIV was elected as Pope Francis’ successor on Thursday 8 May, 2025; Pope Francis passed at the age of eighty-eight (88) on Easter Monday.
Th Conclave of 133 Cardinals that elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new Pope began on Wednesday 7 May, 2025; after casting their ballots, black smoke was seen from the enclosed Sistine Chapel chimney, meaning no Pope was elected.
On Thursday 8 May, 2025, white smoke billowed from the Chapel’s chimney in the evening, indicating a new Pope has been elected.
At his first homily with Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV said, “God has called my by your election”. He also disclosed why he chose the name ‘Leo XIV’, saying, it is for “different reason”.
President Tinubu said: “At the Vatican, upon the personal invitation of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I joined world leaders and millions of Catholics in witnessing the beginning of a new papacy.
“Pope Leo XIV’s humility, history with Nigeria, and message of peace remind us of the moral leadership the world desperately needs.
“As a nation of deep faith and great diversity, Nigeria remains committed to building bridges across belief, race, and continent—for peace, for progress, and for all of humanity.
“May the Almighty guide the Holy Father and strengthen all who labour for a more just and compassionate world.”
More Photos
Read: At his first homily with Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV say, ‘God has called me by your election’
Read: Pope Leo XIV reveals ‘different reasons’ why he chose the name ‘Leo XIV’
Photos: X/@officialABAT
