Nigeria has joined the rest of the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, at the age of 88.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement on Monday, described Pope Francis as “a humble servant of God,” “an epitome of peace,” and “a guiding light for millions.” Extending condolences on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria to the Catholic Church and global Christian faithful, the President said the Pope’s death 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,” Tinubu stated, recalling the Pope’s 2013 papal inauguration which ushered in a new era of compassion, justice, and environmental stewardship. “He urged us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.”
President Tinubu highlighted the Pope’s role as a bridge-builder in a time of division, a champion for climate action, and a tireless advocate for the developing world. He praised the late Pontiff’s encyclicals as both doctrinal and timely, especially Laudato Si’, which sparked global dialogue on 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,” Tinubu lamented. He called on humanity to honour the Pope not only with words but by lifting the downtrodden and defending human dignity.
In a condolence message released by his Press Secretary, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State also described Pope Francis as “a globally respected icon of faith, humility, and compassion.” He said the Pope’s teachings on love, mercy, and solidarity inspired the people and government of Anambra to pursue a society rooted in dignity and hope.
“Pope Francis was a shepherd whose legacy transcended borders,” Soludo noted. “His lifelong dedication to championing the cause of the poor and advocating for peace and justice has left the world a better place.”
The governor described the timing of the Pope’s death—on Easter Monday—as deeply symbolic, reflecting the enduring message of Christ’s resurrection and the triumph of hope. He assured the Catholic community of Anambra and beyond of his solidarity and prayers.
Also, the former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, also paid glowing tribute to the late Pontiff.
In a statement on Monday, Obi said Pope Francis’s death marked the end of an era in spiritual and moral leadership.
He praised the Pope’s virtues of faith, hope, and compassion, and commended his advocacy for peace, justice, education, and youth empowerment through platforms like the Scholas Occurrentes Foundation.
“His humility, wisdom, and moral courage made him a beacon of light in a troubled world,” Obi said, extending condolences on behalf of his family and millions of Nigerians inspired by the Pope’s teachings.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) also released a formal tribute to the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. According to the CBCN President, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Pope Francis will be remembered for his tireless advocacy for the marginalised and his emphasis on social justice.
“Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi,” Ugorji noted, adding that the Pope’s reign was marked by humility, sweeping reforms within the Church, and a commitment to interfaith dialogue.
The CBCN praised the Pope’s environmental encyclical Laudato Si’ as a landmark document that ignited global awareness on climate change and the need for sustainable living.
The conference revealed that Pope Francis’s funeral will follow the updated papal rites he personally approved in April 2024, a simplified and solemn ceremony reflecting his desire for an austere, spiritually grounded farewell.
Archbishop Ugorji called on all Catholics and people of goodwill to pray for the peaceful repose of the Pope’s soul and for the continued strength of the Church during this period of mourning.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has joined the global outpouring of grief following the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis, describing the late Pontiff as “a towering figure of faith” whose spiritual influence transcended denominational lines and left a lasting impact on the Nigerian Church.
In a statement signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Christian body expressed heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Christian community, and all who were inspired by the Pope’s life and ministry.
CAN highlighted Pope Francis’ support for the Nigerian Church, particularly through the appointment of Nigerian bishops and cardinals, which it described as a recognition of Nigeria’s “vibrant faith and enduring contribution to the global Church.”
The Christian body also praised the Pope’s commitment to interfaith dialogue—an area of urgent relevance in Nigeria’s religiously diverse society. Archbishop Okoh noted that Pope Francis’ efforts to build bridges between faiths set an example for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, especially in countries grappling with religious tensions.
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