Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Senator Azuta Mbata has congratulated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV on his emergence as the successor of Pope Francis, on the throne of St. Peter, in the Vatican City, Rome on 8th of May 2025.
The Igbo group also called on the pontiff to use his new position to foster inclusivity, care for the needy, peace, environmental sanity and inter religious dialogue, which were the hallmark of his predecessor’s papacy.
In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze said it brings the goodwill message of the vast Igbo Catholic community around the world and Igbo nation by extension to Pope Leo XIV, whom prior to his election as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church was Prefect of the Dicastery for the Bishops in the Roman Curia.
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Senator Mbata expressed confidence on Leo’s election to the papacy, stressing the need for global culture of compassion, unity, faith, solidarity and inclusivity.
The Ohanaeze President General prayed that the wisdom, strength and moral latitude which the pontificate as an institution under Pope Leo XIV represents, shall continue to enhance bridge building, strengthening of ties between institutions & nations and inspire peoples of the world to unity and brotherhood.
“Considering the multi religious, multi ethnic, multi cultural and multi lingual nature of the world, the new Pontiff must use his good office as a spiritual leader to foster inclusivity, care for the needy, peace, environmental sanity and inter religious dialogue, which were the hallmark of his predecessor’s papacy,” the statement read in part.
It quoted Mbata as saying: “The Igbo nation will continue to pray for the new pope. It is also our desire that God may grant him grace and mercies for the care of the Church and general good of mankind”.