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TRUMP HAILS EMERGENCE OF POPE LEO XIV, SAYS IT’S GREAT HONOUR FOR AMERICA AS TINUBU CONGRATULATES NEW POPE
President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, has described the emergence of Pope Leo XIV as a “great honour” for the United States of America.
Reacting to the announcement of the new pontiff on Thursday , President Trump said the elevation of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost — an American — to the highest office in the Catholic Church is a moment of pride and significance for the American people.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a great honour for our country,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” he added.
Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, hails from Chicago, Illinois, and was elected by the College of Cardinals at the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis. His emergence marks a historic moment as he becomes the first American to head the Roman Catholic Church.
Addressing the global Catholic faithful from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica shortly after his election, the new Pope declared, “Peace be with all of you,” in a brief but solemn message.
Meanwhile President Bola Tinubu has extended congratulations to His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as the Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The President also felicitated the Conclave for electing the American Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.
Tinubu rejoiced with the leadership of and congregants of the Catholic Church in Nigeria on the historic election of the new Pontiff, whose message of faith and hope already resonates across the globe, with a reassurance from the scriptures of a more peaceful world.
The President affirmed the valued relations shared between Nigeria and the Holy See over many years while acknowledging the rewarding partnership with the Catholic Church in peacebuilding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and, more recently, the promotion of technology in advancing human capacity.
Tinubu, in a statement, said the election of Pope Leo XIV will open a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and the values of love, humanity and charity, particularly to the underprivileged that it has consistently projected.
President Tinubu, in the statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Thursday, prayed God to wlcontinuously shed His light of glory over the new leader of the Catholic Church and grant him good health and wisdom so that he can reach the world with the message of peace and love.
