President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined the global community in mourning the death of Pope Francis, describing him as a “humble servant of God” and “a guiding light for millions” whose life was defined by mercy, justice, and love for humanity.
In a solemn tribute issued on Monday, Tinubu said the Pope’s death, coming shortly after Easter, “is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”
“Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis,” the President stated. “He was a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.”
President Tinubu praised the late pontiff’s legacy as a spiritual leader who consistently gave voice to the voiceless and remained steadfast in his call for justice, compassion, and environmental responsibility.
“In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy,” Tinubu recalled, “urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.”
He noted that Pope Francis “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.”
The Nigerian leader also commended the Pope’s efforts in building unity across religious and social divides.
“He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity,” Tinubu said. “In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor.”
Pope Francis, according to Tinubu, was a resolute voice for the developing world, persistently advocating against economic injustice and praying for stability in regions plagued by conflict.
“His encyclicals were not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant,” the President noted. “Through his pastoral letters, the Pope offered spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world.”
Tinubu, who had expressed joy over the Pope’s Easter appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica, revealed his personal connection to the moment.
“In my 2025 Easter Message, I joined the Christian faithful in thanksgiving for the convalescing Pontiff. I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing.”
But he added poignantly: “Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change.”
Calling on the global community to honour the Pope’s legacy through acts of service and compassion, Tinubu urged: “Let us 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.”
The President extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of Nigeria, stating: “On behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, I extend condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful.”
“May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom,” Tinubu concluded.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history as the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first non-European Pope in over 1,200 years. He passed away on April 21, 2025, shortly after delivering his final Easter blessing.
