Catholic Priest, Rev Tyoga urges prayers, support for Pope Leo XIV, Nigerian leaders

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

A Catholic Priest, Rev Fr Gabriel Tyoga has urged all Christians to put the newly elected Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, in prayers to enable him lead the church in the path of justice and peace.

Rev Tyoga who made this call during a homily to celebrate the Good Shepherd Sunday also known as vocation Sunday, on May 11, 2025 at St Joseph Catholic Church, Nyon, Makurdi, also charged Nigerians to pray for all leaders in the country and across the world.

He said it was importance that followers are not antagonistic of government especially those trying their best to offer good governance saying praying and supporting them would help them focus towards delivering the needed dividends to the people .

He re-echoed the saying that “Everything rises and falls on leaders” saying this powerful disposition tells us how much influence the leaders have on those that are following. So if you support a good leader, he will do well.”

He cautioned those who he said were in the habit of frustrating good governance or efforts of good leaders urging them to rather pray for and support them in their quest to offer good leadership to the people.

According to him, “A leader is one associated with the guidance and inspiration of others towards achieving a set of goals or objectives. A leader must be in one accord with those they are leading.

“So this Sunday is known as Good Shepherd Sunday or vocation Sunday, is not just about the religious but all those that are called to serve as leaders in the church, the family, in schools, in government and in the whole society.”

Speaking on the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Tyoga prayed God to give him the grace to be a good Shepherd after His heart. He said “We pray for the new shepherd that was elected for us last week, the Roman Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, we pray for him to lead the Catholic Church and Christianity in the whole world well.

“May the Holy Spirit assist the new Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV to be the shepherd after the heart of Jesus Christ and to lead the church in the path of justice and peace.”

He further explained that “Today is a day we pray for a good Shepherd in government, in Church and in the society who will lead the sheep to a better life on earth and in heaven.

“We also use the day to pray for existing shepherds in their work and those intending to lead, for more grace, strength and greater commitment to work and to serve.

“We also celebrate those who have shepherd us well by touching our lives directly and indirectly praying that they would continue the good work they are doing for humanity.”