CBCN, CAN Congratulate New Catholic Pontiff
As Pope Leo XIV assumes office, the Catholic faithful in Nigeria have urged him to prioritise uniting a fragmented world.

This was as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has congratulated him on his emergence as the new Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, assuring him of their allegiance, prayers and support as he embarks on his Petrine ministry.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also on Friday congratulated the Roman Catholic Church on the election of Pope Leo XIV.

In a statement on Friday, CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, said the papal transition showcases the church’s commitment to dignity, honour, and spiritual discernment, offering the world a powerful example of conducting affairs with grace and reverence as children of God.

He said: “In the joy of the Easter season, we add our voice in thanking God for the successful completion of the conclave, which ended with the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church. On behalf of all the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria, all Christ’s faithful, and indeed all men and women of goodwill, we extend heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and assure him of our allegiance, prayers and support as he embarks on his Petrine ministry”.

Ugorji also congratulated all the Cardinals who participated in the conclave, especially Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, for their roles in the election.

“We invite all Nigerians and people of goodwill to join us in praying for the new Pope, that he may be endowed with wisdom, courage, and grace to fulfill his sacred mission,” he added.

In a statement in Abuja, the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the election of Pope Leo XIV is a significant milestone that brings joy to Catholics worldwide.

Okoh noted that the emergence of Pope Leo XIV signifies renewal and hope for the Catholic Church, expressing confidence that the new Pontiff will advance peace, justice, and inclusiveness, continuing the legacy of his predecessors.

Okoh prayed that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate be blessed with wisdom, good health and strength to lead God’s people on the path of righteousness.

While congratulating Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, said the Pope is not elected only for the Catholics alone, but for the entire world.

The purpose, according to Bishop Badejo, is to make the presence of God and His love more aware in people’s lives and to show that God has sovereignty over everybody.

He urged Pope Leo XIV to continue with what he called, “the mission of the church” by bringing every human being back to the same dignity that they have as children of God so that the world will become a place where all can live with love, where the right of every human being is respected and where human beings can live without hindrances that they belong to God’s children.”

He added that the world, not only Catholics, expects the Pope to be a “bridge builder” and “promoter of peace” as he said in his opening greetings.

Badejo said: “He will continue to defend the rights of the poor, marginalised, migrants and refugees of the world and focusing the attention of the powers in the need for a more just society.

“As far as Catholics are concerned, Pope Leo X1V’s work is about the work of salvation, redemption, reconciliation and holiness. But the Pope is not elected only for the Catholics alone.

“The mission of the Pope will be to unite a fragmented world around the fraternity of a common humanity through promotion of dialogue among religions and the message of love and care for humanity and the environment.”

For the National Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja (CSN), Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikk Umoh, the new Pope should continue from where Pope Francis’ pontificate ended by championing the cause of the poor and marginalised.

Umoh enjoined Pope Leo XIV’s papacy to focus on raising awareness about global issues such as oppression, exploitation, and suppression.

He also expects the new Pope to further consolidate Pope Francis’ efforts in interfaith dialogue and human fraternity, potentially expanding these initiatives to foster greater understanding and cooperation.

Umoh said: “Every Pope’s primary goal is to advance the mission of Christ, seeking innovative ways to teach and affirm the timeless truth about God the Father, as revealed by Jesus Christ. Today, more than ever, the world yearns for these very needs.”

Umoh also urged the new Pontiff, as a seasoned pastor, teacher and formator, who has worked in tough terrains, to clarify certain messages from Pope Francis that were not fully understood by some Catholics and non-Catholics, where necessary.

On his part, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and Secretary General, West Africa Inter-Religious Council, Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, called on the new Pope to follow the tradition of the church.

He was happy that Pope Leo XIV had said he would get involved in dialogue and urged him to take the issue of ecumenism seriously, especially inter ecclesia dialogue, interreligious dialogue and also build on his predecessor’s “in other Church, you talk I listen, I talk you listen.”

He reminded the new Pontiff that he is not American Pope, but a Pope from America.

Omonokhua said: “There’s nothing like an American Pope. It is hoped that he will be able to influence the American President, Donald Trump, to do the right thing since America is a world power and ensure that the Catholic Church keeps moving in the right direction.”