Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops Direct Countrywide Thanksgiving Masses for Election of Pope Leo XIV

In the statement, the Nigerian Catholic Archbishop congratulates the Cardinals, who participated in the Conclave, mentioning in particular Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke who was among the 17 Cardinal Electors from Africa.

The Local Ordinary of Nigeria’s Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri hails the Conclave, noting that its orderliness and sense of dignity is worth emulating.

He said, “This papal transition showcases the Church's commitment to dignity, honour, and spiritual discernment, offering the world a powerful example of conducting affairs with grace and reverence as children of God.”

The Nigerian Church leader invited all people of goodwill in the West African country to join the Catholic Church in praying for the new Pope, “that he may be endowed with wisdom, courage, and grace to fulfill his sacred mission.”

The newly elected Pontiff was born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, USA to Louis Marius Prevost of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez of Spanish descent. 

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He took his First Vows in the Order of St. Augustine (OSA) in September 1978 and had his Perpetual Profession in August 1981. He was ordained a Priest in June 1982 in Rome.

He served as Prior General of the OSA for two six-year consecutive terms, which ended in 2013. In November 2014, the late Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo Catholic Diocese in Peru, where he had been a missionary, elevating him to the Episcopal dignity and Titular Bishop of Sufar.

The late Pope Francis created him a Cardinal during the September 2023 Consistory. On February 6, the late Pope Francis promoted him to the Order of Bishops, granting him the title of the Suburbicarian Church of Albano.

In his first address as Pope on May 8, the 69-year-old Pontiff asked the people of God to help the Church build bridges through dialogue and encounter, working for unity and peace.

“Peace be with you all. Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd, who has given his life for God’s flock,” the Holy Father said in his address to those who gathered in St. Peter’s Square on May 8.

He continued, “I too would like that this greeting of peace enters into your heart, reaching your families, and all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to all the earth. Peace be with you.”

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.