The Lagos State University Muslim Community has extended heartfelt congratulations to Catholics following the successful election of a new Pope, recognizing his role as a symbol of global peace.
In a statement, the LASUMC highlighted the impact of the new pontiff’s 14 years of service among the vulnerable populations in the underdeveloped regions of Peru, which has equipped him for the significant responsibilities he now faces.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope on Thursday, assuming the title of Pope Leo XIV.
In a goodwill message delivered on Friday in Lagos, LASUMC Chief Imam, Prof. Amidu Sanni, conveyed his congratulations, stating, “On behalf of the Muslim community of LASU, I extend warm wishes to the 1.4 billion Catholic faithful on the successful selection of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the 267th Pontiff.”
Sanni noted that Pope Leo XIV possesses a profound connection with the marginalized and ordinary clergy. He remarked on the thematic resonance of the Pope’s inaugural address, which contrasts sharply with contemporary perceptions of leadership in the U.S. and emphasizes advocacy for peace rather than exerting power.
“The Pope’s appeals for disarmament and reconciliation in conflict-ridden areas resonate deeply in a world plagued by violent strife, widespread fear, trade wars, and stark political divisions, as well as threats of nuclear conflict and a lack of respect for human dignity,” he added.
Sanni also used the occasion to call upon African leaders to embrace the spirit of love and public service embodied by the new pontiff, fostering a renewed atmosphere of trust and goodwill between leaders and citizens.
FCNN earlier reported that Pope Leo XIV was elected in the second round of voting on Thursday after the first ballot on Wednesday did not yield a consensus.
A total of 133 cardinals participated in the election, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first pope born in the U.S. and the first North American pope. He was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois.
Pope Leo XIV holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (1977), a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago (1982), and both a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome (1984, 1987).
