MONDAY April 21, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a comprehensive statement expressing the deep sorrow of the Nigerian government and its people following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, Channels TV reports.
The President’s address reflects on the profound spiritual and humanitarian legacy of the late pontiff, emphasizing his impact on both the Catholic Church and the global community.
President Tinubu acknowledged Pope Francis as a “humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.”
He noted the poignant timing of the Pope’s passing, occurring just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, describing it as “a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”
The President highlighted Pope Francis’s enduring service to the Church and humanity, recalling his ascension to the global stage in 2013 with a powerful message of mercy.
He emphasized the Pope’s consistent advocacy for the marginalized, including refugees, migrants, and the forgotten, urging the world to see “the face of Christ” in them.
Furthermore, President Tinubu lauded Pope Francis’s courage in challenging the powerful to act with justice and his persistent reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the Earth, “our common home,” for future generations.
He recognized the Pope as “an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity.”
In a world often marked by division, the President noted the pontiff’s efforts to build bridges between faiths and to advocate for the poor and less privileged.
President Tinubu also acknowledged Pope Francis’s steadfast advocacy for global peace and stability, particularly in troubled regions, and his consistent voice against economic injustice. He reflected on the profound and lasting impact of Pope Francis’s encyclicals, describing them as “not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant.” He recognized the Pope’s pastoral letters as offering spiritual direction and hope to countless individuals worldwide.
In a personal reflection, President Tinubu recalled his gratitude for Pope Francis’s Easter Sunday appearance, stating, “In my 2025 Easter Message, I joined the Christian faithful in thanksgiving for the convalescing Pontiff. I was happy to watch his appearance for the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica.”
He acknowledged the swiftness of the Pope’s passing following this event, noting, “Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change.”
President Tinubu called for more than just words of remembrance, urging the world to “honour him not with words alone but with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person.”
He concluded by extending his condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Christian community, and all faithful, and prayed for the eternal rest of “His beloved servant.”
