Soludo Congratulates Catholics On Election Of Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Catholics in Anambra and across the globe following the successful election of a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

On Thursday, the Vatican officially confirmed the election of Robert Cardinal Prevost, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement has sparked widespread celebration, especially in Anambra, which hosts one of the largest Catholic populations in Nigeria. Notably, the state is home to two cardinals, one of whom was among the electors in the recent papal conclave.

In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo expressed profound joy over the development. He noted that the emergence of Pope Leo XIV symbolizes the global and inclusive nature of the Catholic Church.

“He is the first American Pope, with strong French and Italian heritage, and meaningful ties to the Peruvian Catholic community,” Soludo stated.

The governor highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s significant missionary and pastoral contributions in Peru, where he served as a parish priest, seminary rector, and educator in Canon Law. These roles, according to Soludo, underscore the Pope’s deep spirituality and unwavering service to God and humanity.

Governor Soludo further praised the new Pope’s exceptional academic background, which includes degrees in Mathematics and Canon Law, as well as his leadership within the Order of St. Augustine. These qualities, Soludo said, prepare him effectively for the responsibilities of the Petrine ministry.

Extending his congratulations to Catholics in Anambra, Nigeria, and worldwide, the governor prayed that Pope Leo XIV would be guided by the Holy Spirit as he addresses the moral, spiritual, and geopolitical challenges of today’s world.

Soludo also urged the Pope to prioritize interfaith dialogue, global peacebuilding, and the protection of human dignity. He emphasized that the Pope’s previous role as Provincial of the Augustinian Province of Chicago reflects both his administrative acumen and his sensitivity to the diverse realities of the global Catholic faithful.