President Bola Tinubu Mourns Pope Francis, Honors His Legacy as Advocate for the Poor
President Bola Tinubu Mourns Pope Francis, Honors His Legacy as Advocate for the Poor
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, recognizing him as a champion of the underprivileged and a beacon of hope for millions. The Pope, who dedicated his life to serving God and the Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
In a personally signed statement, Tinubu encouraged people around the world to honor Pope Francis’ legacy and reflect on his teachings. He stated, “With a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians globally in mourning the loss of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God and a tireless advocate for the poor. His departure, just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, signifies a sacred return to his Creator during a hopeful time for Christians.”
He continued, noting that Pope Francis took the world stage in 2013 with a message of mercy, urging society to recognize Christ in the marginalized, refugees, and those often overlooked. “He called on the powerful to pursue justice, urged nations to welcome strangers, and reminded us that our planet is a precious gift we must safeguard for future generations.”
Tinubu highlighted the late Pontiff’s role as a peacemaker, embodying the message of Christ through love for God and humanity. “In an era of division, he worked to connect people across faiths and socioeconomic divides. He championed the needs of the developing world, advocating against economic inequality and consistently praying for peace and stability in conflict-affected areas.”
Pope Francis’ encyclicals, Tinubu pointed out, were both timely and impactful, providing spiritual guidance amid a complicated world. “His words and actions paved a path for renewal for humanity,” he remarked.
In his Easter message earlier this year, Tinubu expressed gratitude for the Pontiff’s recovery, having witnessed his appearance during the traditional Easter blessing at St. Peter’s Basilica. Tragically, the following day, the world lost a powerful advocate for justice and climate action. “May the Lord whom he served so faithfully welcome him into His eternal embrace,” Tinubu said.
As the world mourns the loss of the Pope, Tinubu called for a celebration of his legacy, urging action in addition to words: “We must uplift those in need, heal our communities, and uphold the dignity of every individual.”
On behalf of Nigeria’s government and its people, Tinubu extended condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and all Christians during this difficult time.
