Nigeria: President Tinubu mourns passing of pope Francis

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, describing the pontiff as “a humble servant of God” and “a tireless champion of the poor,” whose life was dedicated to the service of humanity and the teachings of Christ.

In a statement issued on Monday via the president’s official X handle, on Monday from the State House in Abuja, the President joined the global Catholic community and Christians around the world in mourning the revered spiritual leader, who passed away just a day after delivering his traditional Easter blessing at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Tinubu said: “Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”

Reflecting on the pontiff’s decade-long service to the Church since his election in 2013, Tinubu praised Pope Francis for his steadfast commitment to justice, climate advocacy, and interfaith harmony.

He further noted: “He stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten. He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity.”

President Tinubu acknowledged the Pope’s influential encyclicals and pastoral letters, describing them as “doctrinal, seminal, timely, and relevant,” offering spiritual clarity in an increasingly complex world.

He also recalled the Easter message he delivered earlier this month, in which he gave thanks for the Pope’s recovery and public appearance.

“Alas, the Lord called him home a day after. The world has lost its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change.” He lamented.

On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, Tinubu extended condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful, urging all to honour the Pope’s legacy with compassionate action and dedication to human dignity.

“May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest,” he concluded.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from the Americas.

He was widely admired for his humility, progressive values, and advocacy for the poor and marginalized.