In a historic development, Robert Cardinal Francis Prevost has been elected as the new Pontiff of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement came at the conclusion of a two-day conclave by cardinal-electors in Vatican City. The emergence of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th pope and first-ever American to ascend to the papacy has been met with wide celebrations and congratulatory messages from world leaders including Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Nigeria’s Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Prevost, a moderate and close ally of late Pope Francis, was introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica following the traditional Latin proclamation, “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”), by French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti. Cheering crowds in St. Peter’s Square welcomed the new Pope as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful election. Church bells rang across Rome to mark the historic moment.
In his first public appearance, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with a warm smile, raised both hands in blessing, and offered a simple but profound message: “Peace be with you.”
The conclave began on Wednesday and saw several rounds of voting. The black smoke witnessed earlier indicated inconclusive ballots until white smoke finally emerged around 6 p.m. on Thursday, marking the successful selection of a new spiritual leader.
World Leaders React
President Donald Trump, in a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, expressed pride in seeing an American take on the role of Pope. “Congratulations to Robert Cardinal Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honour for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria also extended warm congratulations through a statement by his spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. He praised the Catholic Church’s conclave for its decision and celebrated the historic nature of Prevost’s election. “President Tinubu believes the election of Pope Leo XIV opens a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and the values of love, humanity, and charity,” the statement read. He emphasized Nigeria’s long-standing relationship with the Vatican, highlighting the Church’s contributions to peacebuilding, education, and healthcare. He prayed for Pope Leo XIV’s success, wisdom, and divine guidance.
Mr. Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, praised the College of Cardinals for their discernment and prayerful decision-making. On his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi wrote: “I wholeheartedly congratulate His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on his election… His emergence at this critical time is a profound blessing – one that reaffirms the enduring presence of divine guidance.” Obi commended the Pope’s background as a missionary, canon lawyer, and experienced leader, expressing hope that his papacy would be marked by spiritual renewal, justice, and service to humanity.
The Man Behind the Papacy
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, is of French and Italian descent. A member of the Augustinian Order, he served as the global superior of the Augustinians, a missionary in Peru, and Bishop of Chiclayo before being appointed Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops by Pope Francis. He was created cardinal in 2023 and promoted to cardinal-bishop in 2025.
Prevost holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Villanova University and a diploma in theology from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He studied canon law at the Pontifical Saint Thomas Aquinas University in Rome and was ordained a priest in 1982.
Church Officials Reaffirm Autonomy
Following his election, leaders of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Church in Nigeria distanced the process from any political or external interference, including suggestions of influence by President Trump. Mr. Onyema Onyekakeye, JDPC Chairman of Badagry Deanery, emphasized that the election followed established ecclesiastical procedures under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “The Catholic Church is the most disciplined and organized institution in the world,” he stated, highlighting the conclave’s strict adherence to tradition and divine inspiration.
Mr. Joe Ahanna, JDPC Chairman of St. Peter and Paul Parish, also praised the Pope’s emergence as a gift from God. He reiterated the Church’s commitment to order, tradition, and spiritual discernment.
As the world welcomes Pope Leo XIV, the global Catholic community and international observers now look to his leadership in navigating both spiritual and geopolitical challenges, while continuing the legacy of compassion and reform initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
