The Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has celebrated the election of Pope Leo XIV, just as it also prayed that God will give the grace to lead the Catholic community, reports thegazellenews.com
The group, which stated this through a statement signed by its national President, Prince Mosediq Kazeem and made available to media houses, said the election of Robert Prevost now known as Leo XIV as the first American Pope was historic and marks a significant chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.
Kazeem said the historic moment signified not only the continuity of apostolic leadership but also reaffirmed the unity, faith, and resilience of the global Catholic Church.
The college of Cardinals had concluded its conclave and elected Pope Leo XIV following the death of Pope Francis last month.
“We commend the Catholic faithful in Nigeria for their steadfast prayers, unwavering devotion, and commitment to the spiritual well-being of the Church throughout this sacred process.
“As the Catholic community in Nigeria joins the universal Church in welcoming the new Pontiff, we pray that his papacy will be blessed with wisdom, humility, and a deep dedication to the mission of peace, justice, and service to all humanity.
“May his leadership inspire renewed hope, strengthen faith, and advance the work of the Gospel both in Nigeria and across the world.”
Kazeem said while the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria remains committed to fostering interfaith harmony and understanding in the spirit of interfaith harmony, the group invokes the words of the Qur’an “….And you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers are those who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because among them are priests and monks, and because they are not arrogant.”(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:82).
“May Almighty Allah continue to bless the Catholic Church in Nigeria, strengthen the bonds of peace between our communities, and grant abundant grace to Pope Leo XIV as he leads the flock of Christ with compassion and justice,” the group said in the statement.
