Life Coach and Former Speaker of the Imo State house of Assembly, Hon. Ike C. Ibe has extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected Pope of the Catholic Church.

In his message on Thursday, Hon. Ibe joined millions of Catholic faithfuls in celebrating this historic moment, praying for divine wisdom and strength for the new Pontiff as he leads the global Church through the challenges of our time.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American to ascend to the papacy. He was elected as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025.

Recalling a cherished memory, Hon. Ibe noted that Pope Leo XIV visited his hometown, Avutu located in Obowo local government area of Imo State.

Then Bishop Robert Prevost had come to Nigeria for the burial of one of his collaborators and fellow clergymen, the late Rev. Fr. Captain Gerald Onuoha, a priest of the Okigwe Diocese who was serving under him in Peru.

The visit, Hon. Ibe noted, was a powerful display of cross-cultural solidarity and priestly commitment.

“It was a moment of grace that left an indelible mark on our people. Long live the Pope Leo XIV.” He said.