Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated the new Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis I on his election as the new head of the Catholic church.
Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, expressed satisfaction that the emergence of Pope Francis has further united the church which he described as one despite being peopled by faithful from different races across the continents.
Fayemi noted that the fact that the new Pope is from Latin America was indicative of the universality of the Catholic Church.
The Governor praised the Holy Father for his humility, stressing that the new Pope’s first major request – asking his followers to pray for him- smacks of humility.
Fayemi said he was not surprised at the Pope’s action shortly after being elected as he had built a reputation of humility in his native Argentina where he served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
The governor pointed out that Pope Francis who is a renowned crusader of justice would not shy away from speaking the truth to those in power.
He urged Pope Francis to use his position to ensure peace in the world noting that the Pontiff was assuming the papacy at a critical period when his counsel and intervention would be needed in troubled parts of the world.
Fayemi advised the Pontiff to use his office to unite all the major religions in the world to ensure religious harmony.
While wishing the new Pope a successful tenure of office, Fayemi urged Catholics and adherents of other faiths to support him in prayers in the discharge of the onerous task ahead of him.
“On behalf of the good people of Ekiti State, Nigeria, I wish you a successful tenure as head of the Catholic Church”.
Last modified: March 19, 2013
