Robert Francis Prevost, the first pope from the United States, has a history of missionary work in Peru but also a keen grasp of the inner workings of the Church.

The new Leo XIV, a Chicago native, was entrusted by his predecessor Francis, to head the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, charged with advising the pontiff on new bishop appointments.

The sign of confidence from Francis speaks to Prevost’s commitment as a missionary in Peru to the “peripheries” – overlooked areas far from Rome prioritised by Francis – and his reputation as a bridge-builder and moderate within the Curia.

The 69-year-old Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo, Peru, was made a cardinal by Francis in 2023 after being named Prefect of the Dicastery, one of the Vatican’s most important departments — and a post that introduced him to all key players in the Church.

Vatican watchers had given Prevost the highest chances among the group of US cardinals of being pope, given his pastoral bent, global view and ability to navigate the central bureaucracy.

Italian newspaper, La Repubblica, called him “the least American of the Americans” for his soft-spoken touch.

His strong grounding in canon law has also been seen as reassuring to more conservative cardinals seeking a greater focus on Theology.

Following Francis’s death, Prevost said there was “still so much to do” in the work of the Church.

“We can’t stop, we can’t turn back. We have to see how the Holy Spirit wants the Church to be today and tomorrow, because today’s world, in which the Church lives, is not the same as the world of ten or 20 years ago,” he told Vatican News last month.

“The message is always the same: proclaim Jesus Christ, proclaim the Gospel, but the way to reach today’s people, young people, the poor, politicians, is different,” he said.

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Prevost attended a Minor Seminary of the Order of St Augustine in St Louis as a novice before graduating from Philadelphia’s Villanova University, an Augustinian institution, with a degree in Mathematics.

After receiving a masters degree in divinity from Chicago’s Catholic Theological Union in 1982, and a doctorate decree in canon law in Rome, the polyglot joined the Augustinians in Peru in 1985 for the first of his decade-long missions in that country.

Returning to Chicago in 1999, he was made provincial prior of the Augustinians in the US Midwest and later the prior general of the order throughout the world.

But he returned to Peru in 2014 when Francis appointed him as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in the country’s north.

Nearly a decade later, Prevost’s appointment in 2023 as head of the Dicastery came after Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet was accused of sexually assaulting a woman and resigned for age reasons.

The Vatican later dropped the case against Ouellet for insufficient evidence.

Prevost also serves as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has celebrated Globacom Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., on his 72nd birthday. He joins President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who had on Tuesday  released a statement celebrating the astute businessman.

The two leaders praised Dr. Adenuga for his remarkable contributions to the growth of both countries, their people and the economy.

President Mahama described the business icon’s life as an “illustrious example of vision, resistance and extraordinary performance”.

His Nigerian counterpart said Dr. Adenuga’s life and extraordinary achievements are evidence of the power of vision and resilience.

Congratulating Dr. Adenuga, President Mahama said, “he not only built enduring businesses but also contributed significantly to the socio-economic advancement of our continent.”

Similarly, President Tinubu said Adenuga’s humility and hard work allowed him to succeed in banking, communications, oil and gas. “Through determination and hard work, he built businesses that have created thousands of jobs for our people,” President Tinubu said.

According to the President, Globacom’s ingenuity in disrupting the billing template in the telecoms industry remains a point for which Nigerians are always grateful to Dr Adenuga for expanding telephony and digital access to millions of Nigerians.

The President noted that Conoil has become a proof that indigenous companies can compete with international oil companies to promote energy independence and the security of the country.

In a heartwarming and historic show of affection and loyalty, the 88/93 Class Set of the Remo Secondary School Old Students Association (RSSOSA) staged a grand surprise birthday celebration in honor of their own, the National President of RSSOSA, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking.

The event, which took place at the prestigious Marriott Hotel, Lagos, was a spectacular and deeply emotional affair that left the celebrant overwhelmed and moved to tears. Unknown to Aare Adetola, the surprise had been meticulously planned since January of this year, in close collaboration with his wife, who kept the arrangements a secret until the big day.

The celebration was marked by an electrifying atmosphere of joy, laughter, and heartfelt emotions as classmates reunited to honor one of their own in grand style. The 88/93 Set spared no expense, presenting Aare Adetola with gifts worth several million naira.

Adding to the magic of the occasion, members of the 88/93 Set residing in the diaspora joined virtually from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Notable among them were Segun Osho, Rev. Fr. Oshitimehin, Sade Odesanya, Akeem Elegbeji, Gboyega Solarin, Johnson Olumuyiwa Sanya, Tope Otunba, Semeton Amosu, Yemisi Olowu, Bukky Alli, Bunmi Ojutialayo, Bolaji Desalu, Wasiu Talabi, Azeez Awolaja, Jimmy Adetayo, and Bisoye Sholuade, whose heartfelt participation further heightened the emotional resonance of the event.

The success of the surprise was largely credited to the tireless efforts and leadership of the Class Set Governor, Engr. Bola Owolabi Oladeinde, whose commitment, coordination, and attention to detail ensured a seamless and unforgettable celebration.

In his heartfelt appreciation speech, a visibly emotional Aare Adetola expressed profound gratitude to every member of the class set, describing the surprise as one of the most touching and humbling experiences of his life.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that such an elaborate and deeply moving celebration awaited me,” he said. “You have honored me beyond words, and I am eternally grateful. May God bless and replenish each of you for your sacrifices, generosity, and steadfast love.

Aare Adetola appreciated his wife for her support and for keeping the surprise a secret with such admirable dedication.”

The event was a powerful reaffirmation of enduring friendship, unity, and loyalty. The 88/93 Set of RSSOSA once again demonstrated that true brotherhood and sisterhood only grow richer and deeper with time, setting a remarkable example for alumni associations everywhere.