The Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has prayed that God will give Pope Leo XIV the grace to lead the Catholic community.

The group said the election of Robert Prevost now known as Leo XIV as the first American Pope was historic and marks a significant chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.

National President, Prince Mosediq Kazeem, said the historic moment signified not only the continuity of apostolic leadership but also reaffirmed the unity, faith, and resilience of the global Catholic Church.

The college of Cardinals had concluded its conclave and elected Pope Leo XIV following the death of Pope Francis last month.

In a statement signed by Kazeem, he said: “We commend the Catholic faithful in Nigeria for their steadfast prayers, unwavering devotion, and commitment to the spiritual well-being of the Church throughout this sacred process.

“As the Catholic community in Nigeria joins the universal Church in welcoming the new Pontiff, we pray that his papacy will be blessed with wisdom, humility, and a deep dedication to the mission of peace, justice, and service to all humanity.

“May his leadership inspire renewed hope, strengthen faith, and advance the work of the Gospel both in Nigeria and across the world.”

Kazeem said while the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria remains committed to fostering interfaith harmony and understanding in the spirit of interfaith harmony, the group invokes the words of the Qur’an “….And you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers are those who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because among them are priests and monks, and because they are not arrogant.”(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:82).

“May Almighty Allah continue to bless the Catholic Church in Nigeria, strengthen the bonds of peace between our communities, and grant abundant grace to Pope Leo XIV as he leads the flock of Christ with compassion and justice.”

The Catholic Church has announced its new pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

The American Augustiinian priest in a short address after his presentation called for peace and unity.

Here are ten things to know about Pope Leo…

1. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was on Thursday, 8th of May 2025, elected the new Catholic Pope.

2. He was born in Chicago, USA, on September 14, 1955.

3. Prevost is a member of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA), and as well the first American pope.

4. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

5. Cardinal Prevost began his religious journey as an Augustinian friar and was ordained a priest in 1982.

6. He is fluent in Spanish and has close familiarity with Latin American realities, which have greatly shaped his ecclesial vision.

7. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru.

8. In April 2023, he was called to Rome and appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a position of immense responsibility.

9. In September 2023, Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of Cardinal, becoming one of the Holy Father’s closest collaborators in the governance of the Church.

10. Known for his theological clarity, calm demeanor, and grounded spirituality, Cardinal Prevost also has a profound respect for tradition while remaining sensitive to the pastoral needs of the present day.

President Bola Tinubu has offered his warmest congratulations to His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as the Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Nigerian President conveyed his best wishes through his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.

Tinubu said he felicitates the conclave for electing the American Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.

According to the President, he rejoices warmly with the leadership 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 congratulatory message read in part: “The President affirms 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.

“We believe the election of Pope Leo XIV opens 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.