Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his 71st birthday, describing him as an important moral voice for peace, human dignity and the welfare of vulnerable people.
In a statement marking the occasion, Adebayo prayed for the continued good health, wisdom and strength of the pontiff in his service to the Catholic Church and humanity.
Recalling his meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican during the past year, Adebayo said the encounter gave him a profound appreciation of the Holy Father’s humility, warmth and commitment to peace.
He said: “I have had the singular privilege of being received by the Holy Father at the Vatican in the course of the past year. That encounter left in me a profound appreciation of his humility, warmth and deep commitment to the cause of peace, human dignity and the welfare of the vulnerable.”
Adebayo noted that the Pope’s moral leadership had become particularly important as the world confronted wars, terrorism, poverty, displacement, inequality and the consequences of rapid technological change.
According to him, the pontiff’s persistent advocacy for dialogue, reconciliation and solidarity holds special significance for Africa, whose youthful population carries enormous promise despite serious security and developmental difficulties.
He added that Nigeria and other African countries needed an international order in which peace would create room for development, technology would serve humanity and cooperation among nations would help lift people out of poverty.
“I therefore join millions of people around the world in wishing His Holiness a very happy 71st birthday. May God continue to grant Pope Leo XIV the wisdom and courage to guide the Church and to contribute to the building of a more peaceful, just and compassionate world.
“Ad multos annos, Your Holiness!” Adebayo said.
