Adebayo Celebrates Pope Leo XIV at 71, Hails Commitment to Peace

Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has felicitated Pope Leo XIV on his 71st birthday, describing his leadership and advocacy for peace and human dignity as important in addressing global challenges.

Adebayo, in a congratulatory message issued in Abuja, praised the Catholic Pontiff for his humility, warmth and commitment to peace, human dignity and the welfare of vulnerable people.

The SDP candidate recalled his personal encounter with the Pope at the Vatican within the past year, saying it deepened his appreciation of the Pontiff’s character and commitment to humanity.

“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,” he said.

Adebayo said the Pope’s advocacy remained significant as the world grapples with wars, terrorism, poverty, displacement, inequality and rapid technological changes.

He noted that Pope Leo XIV’s calls for peace, dialogue, reconciliation and solidarity were particularly relevant to Africa, given the continent’s youthful population and the security and developmental challenges facing many countries.

According to him, Nigeria needs a global environment where peace provides the foundation for development, technology is deployed in the service of humanity, and international cooperation focuses on reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.

“Nigeria, like many African nations, needs a world in which peace creates the space for development, technology serves humanity and international cooperation is directed toward lifting people out of poverty rather than deepening divisions,” Adebayo stated.

He urged people across the world to celebrate the Pope as he marked another year, while praying for continued wisdom and courage for the Pontiff.

“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,” he added.