Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Dean of Cabinet Southern Nigeria Annual Conference United Methodist Church Rev Dr. Micah Dopah has call on Christian denominations to emulate the Catholic Church in electing their leaders.
He stated this in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Jalingo.
“We congratulate and give God the Glory for the emerged of a new Pope Francis Leo XIV.
“Our expectation is that he will continue to trust in God for strength, wisdom to lead the Church in difficult history of humanity which is now characterise by and social social vises.
He call on those that contested along with the Pope elect, but that God did not make it for them at this time, to consider it as an act of God.
“Let them unite and give him the needed support so that he will succeed.
He also call on Catholic Priests and faithfuls to consider the emergence of Pope Francis Leo XIV as purely an act of God.
“They should not consider color (Black or White skins), but see it as the will of God. Ours is to stay Yes to it. So we call on Catholic faithfuls to accept it purely as an act of God and give him the needed support.
“The Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church, including President Ahmed BolaTinubu and some key leaders such as Donald Trump of America has sent congratulatory message to the new Pope Francis Leo XIV.
“God will use him to lead his Church in his Glory and honor of his name.
Rev. Philip Micah Dopah urge on other Christian denominations to emulate the Catholic Church in electing their leaders, adding that there is no point for do all forms of blackmail against anybody during election of leaders.
“I call on other Christian denominations to emulate the Catholic Church, for the election was smooth and transparent, so other denominations should not disgrace the body of Christ by fighting and causing confusion during election of leaders – he said.
“The issue of leadership is not do or die affair – he added.
Similarly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has offered his warmest congratulations to His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as the Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The President also felicitated The Conclave for electing the American Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu also rejoiced with the leadership of and congregants of the Catholic Church in Nigeria on the historic election of the new Pontiff whose message of faith and hope already resonates across the globe, with a reassurance from the scriptures of a more peaceful world.
Tinubu affirmed the valued relations shared between Nigeria and the Holy See over many years while acknowledging the rewarding partnership with the Catholic Church in peacebuilding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and, more recently, the promotion of technology in advancing human capacity.
Tinubu said that he believes 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.
He 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.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, serving as Cardinal-Bishop of Albano and Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Bishops. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, he’s a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.). Here are some key facts about him.
Early Life and Education
Prevost holds degrees from Villanova University (Bachelor of Science in Mathematics), Catholic Theological Union in Chicago (Master of Divinity), and the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law).
Career Highlights
Missionary Work
Spent many years as a missionary in Peru, serving as chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas and bishop of Chiclayo.
Leadership Roles
Elected prior general of the Augustinians, serving two terms from 2001 to 2013.
Dicastery for Bishops
Appointed prefect in January 2023, overseeing bishop appointments worldwide.
Cardinalate
Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on September 30, 2023, and appointed Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Monica.
Views and Stances Synodality
Strong supporter of synodality, emphasizing the importance of consultation and lay involvement.
Same-Sex Couples
Expressed reservations about sympathy for beliefs contradicting the gospel but showed mild support for Fiducia Supplicans, allowing non-liturgical blessings for couples in irregular situations.
Ten things to know about Pope Leo…
- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was on Thursday, 8th of May 2025, elected the new Catholic Pope.
- He was born in Chicago, USA, on September 14, 1955.
- Prevost is a member of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA), and as well the first American pope.
- He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
- Cardinal Prevost began his religious journey as an Augustinian friar and was ordained a priest in 1982.
- He is fluent in Spanish and has close familiarity with Latin American realities, which have greatly shaped his ecclesial vision.
- In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru.
- In April 2023, he was called to Rome and appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a position of immense responsibility.
- In September 2023, Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of Cardinal, becoming one of the Holy Father’s closest collaborators in the governance of the Church.
- Known for his theological clarity, calm demeanor, and grounded spirituality, Cardinal Prevost also has a profound respect for tradition while remaining sensitive to the pastoral needs of the present day.
THE NEW POPE LEO XIV( 14TH)
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, serving as Cardinal-Bishop of Albano and Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Bishops. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, he’s a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.). Here are some key facts about him.
Prevost holds degrees from Villanova University (Bachelor of Science in Mathematics), Catholic Theological Union in Chicago (Master of Divinity), and the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law).
Spent many years as a missionary in Peru, serving as chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas and bishop of Chiclayo.
Elected prior general of the Augustinians, serving two terms from 2001 to 2013.
Appointed prefect in January 2023, overseeing bishop appointments worldwide.
Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on September 30, 2023, and appointed Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Monica.
Strong supporter of synodality, emphasizing the importance of consultation and lay involvement.
WHY DID THE NEW POPE CHOOSE THE NAME LEO XIV?
The new Pope Leo XIV took the name Leo as a nod of respect and honor to Pope Leo XIII
So who was Pope Leo XIII that compelled the new Pope to take the name Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIII (March 2, 1810 – July 20, 1903) was head of the Catholic Church from February 20, 1878 until his death in July 1903.
He had the fourth-longest reign of any pope, behind those of Peter the Apostle, Pius IX (his immediate predecessor) and John Paul II.
He was well known for his intellectualism and his attempts to define the position of the Catholic Church with regard to modern thinking.
In his famous 1891 encyclical Rerum novarum, Pope Leo outlined the rights of workers to a fair wage, safe working conditions, and the formation of trade unions, while affirming the rights to property and free enterprise, and opposing laissez-faire capitalism.
With that encyclical, he became popularly titled as the “Social Pope” and the “Pope of the Workers”, also having created the foundations for modern thinking in the social doctrines of the Catholic Church, influencing the thoughts of his successors.
Leo XIII is particularly remembered for his belief that pastoral activity in political sociology was also a vital mission of the church as a vehicle of social justice and maintaining the rights and dignities of the human person.
He has taken the name Pope Leo XIV and becomes the first American Pope in history.
Among those considered were Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy. But it was Prevost who emerged from the conclave as the chosen one.
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV.
The announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti declared “Habemus Papam” to the cheering crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, is the first American pope in history and a former Superior General of the Augustinians.
Known affectionately in Rome as the “Latin Yankee,” he spent two decades serving impoverished communities in Peru and became a naturalised citizen there.
He reflected his deep commitment to social justice and outreach similar to his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The conclave that elected him was one of the shortest in recent history, concluding after just two days and requiring a two-thirds majority from 133 cardinal electors.
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney shortly after 5 p.m. (UK time) on Thursday, signaling the successful election and sparking celebrations worldwide.
In his inaugural address, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with “Peace be with you all,” urging people to move forward without fear and emphasising that “God loves everyone; evil will not prevail”.
This election marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church with a leader who brings a unique blend of American roots and international pastoral experience.
Meanwhile, Robert Francis Prevost became the first Pope from the United States on Thursday, picking the papal name Leo XIV after cardinals from around the world elected him leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Tens of thousands of people packed in St Peter’s Square cheered as Prevost appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, waving with both hands, smiling and bowing.
The Future Pope Leo XIV Meeting Pope John Paul II 1982
In a moment that now holds historical weight, the future Pope Leo XIV—then newly ordained—met with Pope John Paul II in 1982. Born Robert Francis Prevost Martínez on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, USA, he would go on to make history as the first North American to be elected Pope.
After the passing of Pope Francis in April 2025, Prevost was elected by the papal conclave on May 8, 2025, and took the name Leo XIV. His journey to the papacy was marked by deep commitment to service and leadership. As a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he spent years in Peru—first between 1985–1986, and again from 1988 to 1998—serving as a pastor, seminary educator, diocesan official, and administrator.
His leadership continued when he was elected Prior General of the Augustinians from 2001 to 2013. In 2015, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. He later became a cardinal and was named Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, as well as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Pope Leo XIV has broken several historical precedents. He is the first pontiff from North America, the first from an English-speaking nation since Pope Adrian IV, and the first of Black African ancestry. He also represents both American and Peruvian heritage and is the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine. His election as Pope Leo XIV marks the first use of the name “Leo” since 1903, and he is the first pontiff born after World War II.