Tinubu hails late Catholic Church Pontiff as “a guiding light for humanity”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, describing him as a “humble servant of God” and a “tireless champion of the poor” whose life and ministry touched millions across the world.

In a statement issued from Abuja, President Tinubu said he joins the Catholic faithful, Christians worldwide, and people of goodwill in mourning the death of the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

He noted that the timing of Pope Francis’ passing—just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection—was a sacred return to his Maker during a season of renewed hope.

“His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the very end,” Tinubu said. Reflecting on the Pope’s legacy, the President praised his 2013 papal inauguration, recalling how Pope Francis had stepped onto the world stage with a resounding message of mercy.

He urged global citizens to recognize Christ in the marginalized, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten, and consistently called on the powerful to act justly.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis emphasized compassion, justice, and environmental stewardship, challenging nations to welcome the stranger and protect the Earth for future generations.

President Tinubu lauded the Pontiff as “an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity.”

He also acknowledged the Pope’s role as a builder of bridges—between different faiths, between the rich and the poor, and between the developed and developing worlds.

Pope Francis, he said, was a “steadfast advocate for the developing world,” speaking boldly against economic injustice and offering continuous prayers for peace and stability in troubled regions.

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The President highlighted the significance of Pope Francis’ writings, describing his encyclicals and pastoral letters as “doctrinal, seminal, timely, and relevant.” Tinubu noted that through his words and deeds, the Pope charted “a path of renewal for all humanity.”

Recalling his 2025 Easter Message, President Tinubu mentioned the joy he shared with Christians in seeing Pope Francis appear at St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing, despite his frail health.

“I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing,” he reflected. “Alas, the Lord called him home a day after.”

President Tinubu described the Pope’s death as the world losing “its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change.”

He prayed for the eternal repose of the late Pontiff, saying, “May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom.”

As the world mourns the death of the Pope, Tinubu urged everyone to honor his legacy not just with words but with action—by lifting those who are downtrodden, healing broken communities, and defending the dignity of every human being.