Abuja, Nigeria (AFP)—Catholic worshippers in Nigeria welcomed the election of the new pope, Leo XIV, on Friday, hoping he would continue the legacy of his liberal predecessor, Pope Francis.

In a sparsely attended morning mass at Holy Emmanuel Catholic Church in the working-class Karu district of the capital Abuja, the priest opened his homily with words for the newly elected pontiff.

American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was chosen on Thursday by cardinals in a conclave at the Vatican.

“Our expectation is that a new pope will continue from the legacy of late Pope Francis, and go beyond that, in building the faith,” said Kenneth Acha, president of the church council.

“I believe strongly that Pope Leo XIV will do the same, by building bridges and also try to unite the world, especially where there is a crisis.”

Karu parishioner Raymond Felix Okpe, 77, said the speed of the nomination indicated that “the choice of Pope Leo would be a very popular one”.

Leo, the first American ever elected to the papacy, held his inaugural mass in the Sistine Chapel in Rome on Friday.

Analysts say his choice of papal name was a nod to Pope Leo XIII, seen as a champion of social justice.

Ovie Joseph, associate priest of Holy Emmanuel Catholic Church, said he too believed Pope Leo XIV would “continue from the legacy” of Francis.

“My expectation is that the current pope… will love the people, he will care for them.”