Ohanaeze Urges Pope Leo XIV to Promote Inclusivity, Inter-Religious Dialogue

The leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has extended a message of goodwill to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, urging him to prioritize inclusivity and inter-religious dialogue during his papacy.

In a statement issued on Monday, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator Azuta Mbata , congratulated the pontiff on his election and expressed optimism that his leadership would usher in a new era of peace and mutual respect among the world’s religious and cultural communities.

“We are confident that Pope Leo XIV, with his background and commitment to service, will lead the Catholic Church into a new era of unity and understanding,” the statement read.

Ohanaeze highlighted the pressing need for global religious cooperation amid rising polarization and conflict.

The group called on the Vatican to deepen engagement with minority groups and non-Catholic faiths, particularly in regions grappling with religious tension.

“At a time when the world is increasingly divided along religious and ethnic lines, we urge the Holy Father to champion inclusivity and meaningful inter-religious dialogue,” Mbata said.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Francesco Bernardini of Italy, was elected by the College of Cardinals following the demise of Pope Francis.

He becomes the 268th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and has already signaled a reform-minded and socially conscious approach to leadership.

Ohanaeze also expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV would further promote African inclusion and visibility in the global Catholic Church, particularly in leadership roles and decision-making processes.

The organization’s message adds to the global chorus of congratulatory statements from political, religious, and cultural leaders around the world, welcoming the new pontiff and sharing their hopes for his tenure.