The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has congratulated His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on his emergence as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.
TheNewsGuru reports that the presidential candidate via his Instagram on Thursday night, described the new pontiff’s emergence as a profound blessing, adding that his emergence as leader of the church comes at a time of deep need for divine guidance and moral clarity in the world.
The statement reads: “A Prayerful Salutation to the New Holy Father: Pope Leo XIV
“I wholeheartedly congratulate His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on his election as the Supreme Pontiff and spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
“His emergence at this critical time in the life of the Church and the world is a profound blessing – one that reaffirms the enduring presence of divine guidance in our shared human journey.
”To the faithful who joined in fervent prayer throughout the conclave, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Our collective petitions have not been in vain. We now celebrate the gift of a new shepherd to lead the flock with courage, love, and truth.
“The inaugural address of Pope Leo XIV was both reassuring and inspiring. It radiated humility, moral clarity, and a renewed call to justice, peace, and solidarity with the most vulnerable.
“In a world overwhelmed by division and despair, his words have rekindled hope in the hearts of millions.
“A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo XIV is a seasoned missionary, a respected canon lawyer, and the former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His decades of pastoral service, especially in Peru, and his global ecclesial experience are invaluable gifts to the Universal Church and the whole world.
“As a firm believer in moral leadership, I pray that his pontificate will be marked by deep spiritual renewal, courageous dialogue, unwavering service to humanity, and fidelity to the Gospel message.
“May God bless and guide Pope Leo XIV as he assumes the sacred responsibility of leading the Church through the complexities of our ever-changing world.”
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a U.S. citizen and native of Chicago was elected the first American pontiff in history on Thursday.
He has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.
The conclave, which voted for a new leader after Pope Francis’s passing, chose Prevost on the second day of deliberations.
The 69-year-old was elected pope at the Vatican City, Italy, on Thursday.
The pope has made his first address amidst a cheering crowd.