President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the global community to honour the legacy of the late Pope Francis not merely with words of tribute, but through meaningful actions that embody the values he championed — uplifting the poor, fostering unity in communities, and upholding human dignity.
“As we mourn the late Pontiff, let us also celebrate his legacy. 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,” President Tinubu said in a tribute he personally released on Monday.
The President’s remarks came in the wake of the passing of Pope Francis in the early hours of Easter Monday, a day after he delivered the traditional Easter Sunday blessing at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Tinubu, who in his 2025 Easter message expressed joy at seeing the Pontiff’s public appearance, described the timing of his death as a “sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”
Tinubu hailed the late Pope as “a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions,” noting that his spiritual leadership had transcended the boundaries of the Church to touch lives across the globe.
“He served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end. In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten”, the President said, reflecting on Pope Francis’ enduring commitment to his faith and calling.
President Tinubu praised the Pope’s unrelenting advocacy for social justice, environmental stewardship, and peace, describing him as “an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity.”
“In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and between 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”, he said.
The President commended the Pope’s encyclicals and pastoral letters for providing not just doctrinal guidance but also spiritual clarity in a fast-changing and complex world.
“His encyclicals were not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant. He charted a path of renewal for all humanity through his words and deeds”, Tinubu noted.
Reflecting on the Pope’s voice in the global fight against climate change, Tinubu said the world had lost “its most trenchant voice for justice and action” in that area.
“May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom,” he said.
President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Nigerian government and people to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and Christians around the world.
“May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest,” the President said.
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2025-04-17
2025-04-17