Chidimma Uchegbu – Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has extended his warmest congratulations to the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide on the election of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
In a statement released shortly after the announcement of the new Pope’s emergence, Bishop Adegbite commended the 133 Cardinals for their unanimity of purpose, resilience, and forthrightness in choosing the new Bishop of Rome. He also expressed appreciation to Catholics and non-Catholics alike for their fervent prayers, which he believes contributed to the smooth election of the new Pontiff.
“We congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the first American to ascend to the seat of St. Peter,” Bishop Adegbite said. “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.”
According to the statement by the Deputy Director and Head, Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka stated that Bishop Adegbite noted that he was particularly touched by the new Pope’s inaugural speech, in which he affirmed that the church should serve as a platform for building bridges. “This is exactly what the world needs now,” the NCPC helmsman emphasized.
“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,” Bishop Adegbite concluded.
