Nigeria has joined the global community in mourning the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the late Pontiff as “a humble servant of God,” “an epitome of peace,” and “a guiding light for millions.” In a condolence message on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, Tinubu said the Pope’s passing marked a “sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”
“His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end,” the President noted, recalling Pope Francis’s 2013 papal inauguration which ushered in a new era of compassion, justice, and environmental stewardship. He praised the Pope’s advocacy for the marginalized, refugees, and migrants, as well as his role as a unifying figure in a divided world.
Tinubu also highlighted the significance of the Pope’s environmental encyclical, Laudato Si’, describing it as a timely call for ecological responsibility. “I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica. Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change,” he added.
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State also paid tribute, calling Pope Francis “a globally respected icon of faith, humility, and compassion.” Soludo emphasized the impact of the Pope’s teachings on love and mercy, which inspired Anambra’s pursuit of a society rooted in dignity and hope. He described the timing of the Pope’s death on Easter Monday as symbolic of the message of Christ’s resurrection.
Labour Party leader and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in his statement, said the Pope’s passing marked the end of a remarkable era in spiritual and moral leadership. He lauded the Pope’s virtues of humility, compassion, and courage, as well as his advocacy for youth empowerment through initiatives like the Scholas Occurrentes Foundation. “His humility, wisdom, and moral courage made him a beacon of light in a troubled world,” Obi said.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), in a formal tribute, praised Pope Francis’s dedication to social justice, his humility, and his sweeping reforms within the Catholic Church. CBCN President, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, recalled that the Pope took the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi and was deeply committed to interfaith dialogue and care for the poor.
The CBCN noted that Pope Francis’s funeral will follow revised papal rites he approved in 2024, reflecting his wish for a simple, spiritually grounded farewell. Archbishop Ugorji urged Catholics and people of goodwill to pray for the Pope’s peaceful repose and for the continued strength of the Church during this period of mourning.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also expressed deep sorrow over the Pope’s death, describing him as “a towering figure of faith” whose influence extended beyond denominational boundaries. In a statement signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the body commended the Pope’s support for the Nigerian Church, including the appointment of Nigerian bishops and cardinals. CAN also praised his efforts at promoting interfaith dialogue, which it described as crucial for religious harmony in Nigeria.
As tributes continue to pour in, Pope Francis is remembered in Nigeria and across the world as a spiritual leader whose life and legacy championed peace, justice, and unity.
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze.
