President Tinubu Mourns Pope Francis

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined the Christian faithful and world leaders in lamenting the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

A day after bestowing his Easter Sunday blessing, the Pope’s death, according to the President’s statement, signifies “a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”

According to the statement, Pope Francis, who took office in 2013, was generally seen as a reformer and an advocate for the weak.

Recalling how the Pontiff “stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalized, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten,” Tinubu praised the Pope’s unwavering moral leadership.

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The Pope “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 President said, highlighting his steadfast support of justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith harmony.

“An instrument of peace, Pope Francis profoundly embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity,” he stated. “He built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor,” Tinubu said, praising the late Pope’s efforts to heal divisions during a time of world turmoil and injustice.

The Nigerian leader praised the Pope’s focus on developing countries and the Vatican’s ongoing concern for areas plagued by economic inequality and instability. Tinubu said, “He was an unwavering supporter of the developing world.” Cultural tours in Nigeria

In addition, Tinubu praised the Pope’s pastoral letters and encyclicals, calling them “doctrinal and seminal… timely and relevant,” providing “spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world.”

Tinubu went on to say that he had observed “his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica” and had thanked the Pope for his good health in his Easter greeting. “Sadly, the Lord called him home a day later, causing the world to lose its most resolute voice for justice and action against climate change,” the president stated.

The president of Nigeria called on people to take action in remembrance of the late Pope. “Let’s honor him with deeds, not just words: by uplift those in need, restore our communities, and protect everyone’s dignity.”

“I offer my condolences to the Catholic Church, the international Catholic community, and the Christian faithful on behalf of the Nigerian government and people.

The message further said, “May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest.”