By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Catholics around the world on the historic election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
The announcement followed the successful conclusion of the papal election held on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, who made this known in a statement on Friday, May 9, 2025, said, “Nigeria joins the global Catholic community in celebrating this momentous occasion, praying for divine wisdom, strength, and guidance for Pope Leo XIV as he assumes his sacred responsibilities’’.
The Minister expressed confidence that with his wealth of experience and deep devotion, His Holiness would lead the Church with compassion, humility, and a commitment to peace, unity, and the spiritual well-being of humanity.
‘‘As a nation with a significant Catholic population, Nigeria cherishes its longstanding relationship with the Holy See and looks forward to continued collaboration in fostering interfaith dialogue, harmony, social justice, and the common good for all.
‘‘The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Nigerian government, once again congratulates Pope Leo XIV and the entire Catholic faithful, wishing him a blessed and impactful papacy’’, the statement concluded.
