Catholic Women in Nigeria Urge Pope Leo XIV to Champion Global Reconciliation, End Wars During Pontificate

Mrs. Blessing Chioma. Credit: ACI Africa

“The Holy Father should use his position as the Vicar of Christ to promote reconciliation within the Church and globally. The Church today needs unity, healing, and renewed attention to the marginalized,” she said.

Mrs. Chioma noted that Pope Leo XIV brings to the papacy a wealth of experience from his previous role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, where he was involved in global Church governance.

The new Pope, she said, is not new to the administration of the Vatican. “His work in the Dicastery gave him a broad view of the Church’s challenges and opportunities worldwide. I was especially heartened when he put a call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. That gesture alone shows a commitment to peacemaking,” she said.

Expressing optimism about the new Pope's style, she added, “From his body language and early actions, we can see that he is approachable and grounded. We expect him to follow in the humble footsteps of Pope Francis and even go further in championing justice and peace. The world is truly in need of a shepherd like him.”

Credit: ACI Africa

Also speaking to ACI Africa, the President of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers in  Nigeria’s Abuja Archdiocese, called on Catholics around the world to pray for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his spiritual leadership of the Church.

“We should pray that he remains steadfast and does not miss the divine purpose of his election. Being Pope is not an easy role. He carries the hopes and expectations of over a billion Catholics,” Mrs. Cole King said.

Mrs. Cole King. Credit: ACI Africa

Reflecting on reports about Pope Leo XIV’s early life, Mrs. Cole shared, “I read that one of his siblings said he has always been the holiest among them. That tells me he was chosen from birth for this role. I believe he will bring a new sense of unity to the Catholic Church. He will follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, leading with compassion and conviction.”

She implored, “May Our Mother Mary intercede for him. May every decision he makes be a blessing to the Church, just like the Popes before him.”

On her part, the President of CWO in Nigeria, Mrs. Ebele Okoye, expressed joy that Pope Leo XIV, an American, speaks English fluently. 

Mrs. Ebele Okoye. Credit: ACI Africa

According to her, this linguistic accessibility will enhance participation in liturgical celebrations, especially for those who struggle to understand Latin.

“For us women, seeing the Holy Father speak English on the altar was deeply encouraging. It gives us a stronger sense of inclusion and helps us follow the liturgy more meaningfully,” Mrs. Okoye said.

(Story continues below)

The CWO President also reflected on the significance of having a Pope from the United States at this point.

“We believe that God raised him up for a reason. In America today, many young people have drifted away from the Church. Having a Pope from their country might be the spark that brings about re-evangelization. This is a divine opportunity for the Church in the West to reconnect with the youth, and we are grateful,” Mrs. Okoye said.

Meanwhile, a senior member of WUCWO in Nigeria, Mrs. Clementina Onyemakonor, urged the Pope to remain faithful to the doctrines of the Church and to serve as both a teacher and a spiritual mother to the faithful.

Mrs. Clementina Onyemakonor. Credit: ACI Africa

“Pope Leo XIV must stay rooted in the teachings of the Church. The Church, as Mater et Magistra (Mother and Teacher), has a dual responsibility to nurture and instruct,” Mrs. Onyemakonor.

She continued, “As the Vicar of Christ, the Pope must lead by example, strengthening the faith of the weak, building up the Church where it is fragile, and inspiring the faithful to walk more closely with Jesus.”

Credit: ACI Africa

Mrs. Onyemakonor expressed hope that the new Pontiff would deepen the spiritual life of the Church while addressing the socio-political crises affecting millions across the globe.

“Our world is torn by war, division, and injustice. From Africa to Europe, from the Middle East to Asia, the cries of the suffering must be heard. We believe Pope Leo XIV is in a unique position to be a voice of conscience for humanity,” she told ACI Africa.