Pope Francis: A Voice for Justice, Refugees, and the Marginalized – Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, describing the late Pontiff as a “humble servant of God” and a “guiding light for millions” who dedicated his life to mercy, justice, and service to the marginalized.
In a solemn statement released on his X account on Monday, Tinubu said he joined “the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis,” calling the late Pontiff “a tireless champion of the poor” whose life’s work left an indelible mark on humanity.
“Today, 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,” Tinubu stated. “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.”
President Tinubu hailed the Pope’s moral clarity and fearless advocacy, noting that from the moment he assumed the Papacy in 2013, the late Pontiff wielded his spiritual authority to promote inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and social justice.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called on nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home—this Earth—is a gift we must protect for future generations,” the Nigerian leader added.
The president commended Pope Francis for being “an instrument of peace” and “a steadfast advocate for the developing world,” noting that his voice resonated powerfully in troubled regions and among communities yearning for equity and compassion.
“He was 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,” Tinubu stated.
According to the president, Pope Francis “consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions,” making him a beacon of hope for many in Africa and other parts of the developing world.
Reflecting on the Pope’s theological contributions, Tinubu praised his encyclicals and pastoral letters as “not only doctrinal and seminal, but also timely and relevant.”
”Through his pastoral letters, the Pope offered spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world. He charted a path of renewal for all humanity through his words and deeds,” he said.
Tinubu recalled how, in his 2025 Easter message, he had expressed joy over the Pope’s public appearance for the traditional Easter Sunday blessing at St. Peter’s Basilica. “I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing at St. Peter’s Basilica. Alas, the Lord called him home a day later, and the world lost its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change,” Tinubu lamented.
Offering prayers for the repose of the Pope’s soul, Tinubu said: “May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom.”
He called on Christians and the global community not only to mourn the Pope’s passing but to honor his legacy through action.
“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,” the president said.
“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,” Tinubu concluded. “May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on Monday, a day after Easter Sunday. He served as the 266th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and was the first Pope from Latin America.
His papacy was marked by progressive reforms, humble leadership, and a global outreach that touched lives across religious, cultural, and national boundaries.