news

World leaders greet emergence of first American pope, Leo XIV

Published

1 year ago

May 9, 2025

Cardinal Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) has been elected the 267th Bishop of Rome, becoming the first American Pope in Catholic Church history, succeeding the late Pope Francis. World leaders have sent their felicitations

Felicitations from world leaders greeted the emergence of Cardinal Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) as the 267th Bishop of Rome.

Also read: Catholic Diocese of Awka Probes alleged altercation between priest, widow

Pope Leo XIV was elected on Thursday after the fourth ballot cast by Cardinals in the conclave, which began on Wednesday.

The 69-year-old Prevost is the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church.

He succeeds Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025 (Easter Monday).

Pope, who is of the religious order of St Augustine, was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, by Archbishop Jean Jadot, at the Autustinian College of Saint Monica.

The new Pope, born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, spent many years as a missionary in Peru before being elected head of the Augustinians for two consecutive terms. On September 26, 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis.

In 2019, Pope Francis appointed him a member of the Congregation for the Clergy and in 2020, a member of the Congregation for Bishops.

On January 30, 2023, the Pope called him to Rome as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, promoting him to the rank of Archbishop.

Pope Francis created him Cardinal in the Consistory of September 30 that year and assigned him the Diaconate of Saint Monica.

Minutes after white smoke billowed from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced to the waiting crowds, “I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope.”

Emerging from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the first words of Pope Leo XIV to the waiting crowds at the Vatican were, “Peace be with all of you.”

After invoking peace, he pledged to work for a united Church faithful to Jesus and to the Gospel.

He said, “Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God.

“I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.”

His historic election immediately drew reactions from global leaders, who expressed hope for a papacy focused on unity, peace, and human dignity.

United States President Donald Trump called the appointment a “great honour” for the country and said he looked forward to meeting Pope Francis, describing it as a “very meaningful moment.”

President Bola said 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.

The President, therefore, prayed that the Almighty God will continuously 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.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro voiced hope that the new pope would become a strong advocate for migrants, particularly Latin American communities facing adversity in the United States.

Petro noted, “I hope he becomes a great leader for migrant peoples around the world, and I hope he encourages our Latin American migrant brothers and sisters, humiliated today in the United States. It’s time for them to organise.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the opportunity to deepen relations between Israel and the Vatican, expressing a desire for strengthened interfaith ties.

Herzog said, “We look forward to enhancing the relationship between Israel and the Holy See, and strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land and around the world. May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin noted the shared Christian values between Russia and the Vatican, affirming continued dialogue and cooperation.

“I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop based on the Christian values that unite us,” said Putin.

“Through your role, you provide hope and guidance to millions of believers around the world in these challenging times,” said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed hopes that the pontificate would strengthen dialogue and human rights.

Polish President Andrzej Duda reaffirmed Poland’s readiness to build on its historic ties with the Vatican, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wished Pope Leo XIV a tenure marked by peace and wisdom.

“We wish that his pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue,” said Leyen.

Up Next

Dangote foundation distributes 35,000 rice bags to Kaduna state’s 23 LGAs

Don't Miss

VeryDarkMan released on bail after five days in EFCC custody

theheute

Click to comment

State development

Bauchi Urges Girls to Pursue Education and Skilled Jobs

Published

1 hour ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi girls’ education campaign urges students to complete school, learn vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men

Girls in Bauchi State have been encouraged to complete their education, acquire vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men as part of efforts to promote financial independence and reduce gender inequality.

Also read: Rest of World to Shut Down as Search for New Home Continues

The call was made on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at an event in Bauchi to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.

The event was organised under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, and Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative.

Speaking at the event, Mustapha Idris, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative, said the annual observance aimed to raise awareness of girls’ rights and promote their well-being.

He said the programme was designed to encourage girls to explore a wider range of professions and address gender disparities in the workplace.

Idris urged students to use their school holidays to learn practical skills, including shoemaking and soap production, which could help them earn an income and improve their economic prospects.

“Girls should not feel ashamed of learning a trade or engaging in legitimate businesses. These skills can provide them with sources of income, promote financial independence and reduce their reliance on others,” he said.

Monica Tanko, Executive Director of Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, urged the girls to remain committed to their education and avoid leaving school before completing their studies.

She also encouraged them to develop practical skills alongside their formal education, saying the combination could help prepare them for future challenges and employment opportunities.

Tanko stressed the importance of self-reliance while encouraging the students to maintain their personal dignity as they pursued their ambitions.

Timothy Ibrahim, an engineer with more than 20 years of professional experience, encouraged the students to consider engineering and other professions in which women have traditionally been underrepresented.

He urged them not to allow gender stereotypes to discourage them from pursuing their interests, adding that girls could excel when they had access to opportunities, encouragement and support.

His message reinforced the event’s call for girls to look beyond occupations traditionally associated with women and explore careers across technical and professional fields.

The event was attended by female students from several schools in Bauchi metropolis, including Rafin Zurfi, Bakaro, Unguwar Doya, Gudun Sayawa and the Federal Government Girls’ College.

The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to promote girls’ rights and draw attention to challenges affecting their development.

The Bauchi event used the occasion to highlight the importance of education, vocational training and access to a wider range of career opportunities.

The organisers’ message was that empowering girls requires more than keeping them in school.

Also read: Rest of World to Shut Down as Search for New Home Continues

Access to practical skills, supportive role models and opportunities to enter different professions can also help young women build greater economic independence and participate more fully in their communities.