President Bola Tinubu has joined the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
The president in a statement, described the Pope as “a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.”
He said His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.
The President said His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end.
MUST READ:Pope Francis dies at 88
He noted that in 2013, Pope Francis stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging people of the world to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.”
According to the President, the late Pontiff was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity and built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor.”
He also said the late Pope challenged the powerful to act with justice, called on nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded all that their common home—this Earth—is a gift they must protect for future generations.
The president on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, extended condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)