Victor EzejaNigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has joined world leaders in paying tribute to the late Supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, 21 April.
Aged 88, Pope Francis spent 12 years in the Papacy. He was elected Pope in March 2013 after his successor, Benedict XVI, resigned over health concerns.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended his condolences to the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide over the death of Pope Francis, adding that he was “a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.”
The Nigerian leader described the late Pontiff as a peacemaker who built bridges between faiths, the rich and the poor.
He noted that the pope’s passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection (Easter), “is 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. In 2013, 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,” part of the statement read.
“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home—this Earth—is a gift we must protect for future generations.
“He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity. In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor.”
Tinubu further stated that the leader of over 1.2 billion Catholics was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions.
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As people across the world mourn the late Pontiff, Tinubu called for the celebration of his legacy, not just with words but with action: “by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person.”
Pope Francis: A Moral Compass in a Troubled World – Obi
On his part, Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, said the demise of Pope Francis marks the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the wider world.
In a statement posted on X handle on Monday, Obi described the late religious leader as “a moral compass in a troubled world,” adding that he embodied the virtues of faith, hope, and compassion.
Obi, who had met the Pope on three occasions, observed that he led the church with humility, wisdom and moral courage and also constantly emphasised the need for peace, justice, and love.
“His deep concern for the poor, his steadfast advocacy for moral leadership, and his defence of human dignity earned him the admiration of people across all faiths and nations,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor further stated that as a member of the Scholas Occurrences Foundation, founded by Pope Francis, he deeply appreciates the Pontiff’s belief in education, dialogue, and youth empowerment as vital instruments for building a more just and compassionate world.
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“Pope Francis devoted his life to the service of God and humanity. His legacy will live on not only in the hearts of the faithful but also in the global conscience he helped shape with grace, clarity, and conviction.
“In an age marked by division and uncertainty, his voice remained a steady call to unity, mercy, and justice,” Obi added.
Obi extended his condolences to the universal Church and prayed for God to grant his gentle soul eternal rest and continue to guide the Church.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
