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| Pope Leo XIV acknowledging cheers from a happy congregation as he made his first appearance as Pope |
Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, has warmly congratulated the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, calling his election “a profound blessing at a critical time for both the Church and the world.”
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi praised the election of the new Pope as a reaffirmation of “the enduring presence of divine guidance in our shared human journey.”
He commended the College of Cardinals for what he described as a display of the Church’s “timeless wisdom through prayerful discernment, unity, and fidelity to her sacred traditions.”
According to him, their decision reflected “spiritual depth, attentive listening, and an unwavering openness to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.”
Obi also expressed gratitude to the faithful across the world, who prayed fervently during the papal conclave, noting that “our collective petitions have not been in vain. We now celebrate the gift of a new shepherd to lead the flock with courage, love, and truth.”
Commenting on Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural address, Obi said it was “both reassuring and inspiring,” as it “radiated humility, moral clarity, and a renewed call to justice, peace, and solidarity with the most vulnerable.” In his words, “In a world overwhelmed by division and despair, his words have rekindled hope in the hearts of millions.”
Highlighting the new Pope’s background, Obi described Pope Leo XIV - born Robert Francis Prevost - as “a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, a seasoned missionary, a respected canon lawyer, and the former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.” He added that the Pope’s decades of pastoral service, especially in Peru, and his global ecclesial experience are “invaluable gifts to the Universal Church and the whole world.”
“As a firm believer in moral leadership,” Obi concluded, “I pray that his pontificate will be marked by deep spiritual renewal, courageous dialogue, unwavering service to humanity, and fidelity to the Gospel message. May God bless and guide Pope Leo XIV as he assumes the sacred responsibility of leading the Church through the complexities of our ever-changing world.”
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