Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), has congratulated Catholics and Christians worldwide on the election of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
Adegbite said this in a statement signed by Mr Celestine Toruka, the Deputy Director and Head, Media and Public Relations of NCPC on Friday in Abuja.
Toruka quoted the NCPC boss as saying “we congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the first American to ascend the seat of St. Peter.
“We urge His Holiness to use his new role as the leader of the Catholics globally to preach peace and promote dialogue in addressing the myriad of societal ills plaguing humanity.”
He commended the 133 cardinals for their unanimity of purpose, resilience and forthrightness in choosing the new Bishop of Rome.
He expressed appreciation to Catholics and non-Catholics alike for their fervent prayers, which he believed contributed to the smooth election of the new Pontiff.
Adegbite noted that he was particularly touched by the new pope’s inaugural speech, in which he affirmed that the Church should serve as platform for building bridges.
He added that “this is exactly what the world needs now. We wish Pope Leo XIV good health of mind and body to carry out his apostolic duties.
“We pray that the Good Lord will grant him the grace to take the Catholic Church and all Christians to a higher pedestal of spirituality.”(NAN)
