Pope Leo XIV's election is met with a response from Peter Obi

In a heartwarming gesture, Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has extended his warmest congratulations to the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.

As per our sources, Obi, posting via his Twitter handle on Thursday, described the new pontiff's emergence as a significant blessing. The former governor of Anambra state believes that Pope Leo XIV's leadership comes at a time of great need for divine guidance and moral clarity in the world.

Obi also commended the College of Cardinals for demonstrating the Church's timeless wisdom through prayerful discernment, unity, and fidelity to her sacred traditions.

In his post, he wrote:

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, succeeding the late Pope Francis. He holds significant historical positions and marks several firsts within the Catholic Church.

Personal Background

Birth: Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is the first pope born in the United States and Peru, reflecting his diverse background.
Dual Citizenship: He holds dual citizenship of the United States and Peru.

Significance

Firsts: Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine, the first North American pope, the first citizen of both the United States and Peru to hold the papacy, and the first pope from an English-speaking country since Adrian IV in the 12th century.
Papal Name: He chose the name Pope Leo XIV, which echoes the legacy of Leo XIII, known for his contributions to social justice and reform, suggesting continuity with Pope Francis's concerns.
Election: Elected during the fourth round of voting at the 2025 papal conclave, Prevost was seen as a compromise candidate, representing a balanced approach within the Church.

As the first American and Peruvian pope, Pope Leo XIV may bring a unique perspective to global issues and interfaith dialogue, appealing to diverse Catholic communities worldwide. His selection and naming reflect a commitment to maintaining a middle ground, balancing different factions within the Church, emphasizing faith, prayer, and service, embodying a model of missionary discipleship.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate in Nigeria, has congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election as the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
Obi believed that Pope Leo XIV's leadership comes at a time of great need for divine guidance and moral clarity, not just for the Church, but for the world as well.
In his prayerful salutation, Obi commended the College of Cardinals for demonstrating timeless wisdom through prayerful discernment, unity, and fidelity to sacred traditions.
With his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV inspired hope in a world overwhelmed by division and despair, reaffirming the enduring presence of divine guidance in their shared human journey.
As 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, making his decades of pastoral service and global ecclesial experience valuable gifts to the Universal Church.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Peru, Pope Leo XIV is the first pope born in the United States and Peru, marking several firsts within the Catholic Church, including being the first North American pope, the first citizen of both the United States and Peru to hold the papacy, and the first pope from an English-speaking country since Adrian IV in the 12th century.