*Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joins the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, describing him as ‘a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions’

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has expressed heartfelt condolences over the passing of Holiness Pope Francis.

Tinubu, who stated this in a tribute he personally issued Monday, April 21, 2025, said, “with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.”

The President also stated: “His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ鈥檚 Resurrection, 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.”

The Nigerian leader related that the late Pope, in 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging humanity to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten in society.

Tinubu further noted: “He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home鈥攖his Earth鈥攊s 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.”

The President averred that in a time of division, Pope Francis built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor.”

“He 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.

“His encyclicals were not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant,” the Nigerian President stated.

According to Tinubu, through his pastoral letters, the Pope offered spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world.

The President said: “He charted a path of renewal for all humanity through his words and deeds.

“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 in St. Peter鈥檚 Basilica.”

He as well noted: “Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change.

“May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom.

“As we mourn the late Pontiff, let us also celebrate his legacy.”

President Tinubu stated: “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.

“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 God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest.”

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