The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has felicitated the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, on his 71st birthday, describing his commitment to peace, human dignity and the welfare of vulnerable people as a moral inspiration to the world.

Adebayo, in a birthday message to the Pope, recalled his privilege of being received by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican within the past year, saying the encounter deepened his appreciation of the Pontiff’s humility, warmth and commitment to humanity.

He said the Pope’s voice had become particularly significant at a time the world was confronted with wars, terrorism, poverty, displacement, inequality and challenges arising from rapid technological advancement.

According to him, the Pope’s persistent advocacy for peace, dialogue, reconciliation and solidarity offered an important reminder that the dignity of the human person must remain at the centre of global affairs.

Adebayo particularly highlighted the relevance of Pope Leo XIV’s message to Africa, noting that the continent’s youthful population carried enormous hopes but continued to face serious security and developmental challenges.

“His persistent call for peace, dialogue, reconciliation and solidarity is particularly significant for Africa, a continent whose young population carries enormous hopes but also faces serious security and developmental challenges,” Adebayo said.

He said Nigeria and other African countries needed a global environment where peace would create the necessary space for economic development, technology would be deployed in the service of humanity, and international cooperation would focus on lifting people out of poverty rather than deepening divisions.

The SDP candidate also prayed for continued good health, wisdom and strength for Pope Leo XIV as he leads the Catholic Church and contributes to the search for a more peaceful, just and compassionate world.

“I therefore join millions of people around the world in wishing His Holiness a very happy 71st birthday. May God continue to grant Pope Leo XIV the wisdom and courage to guide the Church and to contribute to the building of a more peaceful, just and compassionate world,” he said.

Adebayo, who described his Vatican encounter with the Pontiff as a singular privilege, concluded his message with the traditional Latin expression, “Ad multos annos, Your Holiness!”, wishing Pope Leo XIV many more years of life and service to the Church and humanity.