Nigeria’s president, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has joined the rest of the world in mourning the passing of the late Pope Francis.
In an emotion-laced statement, President Tinubu branded the late Pope as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions,” noting that his death, occurring immediately after Christ’s resurrection, isn’t coincidental but a sacred return to God Almighty.
In his statement, Tinubu mentioned that the leader was a beacon of light, hope, and peace who embodied the message of Christ in his personal dealings with people.
His words:
“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.”
“His Holiness 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.”
โHe challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common homeโthis Earthโis a gift we must protect for future generations.โ
โIn a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and 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.”
โHis encyclicals were 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.”
โI was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peterโs Basilica.”
โAlas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change. May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom.”
โAs 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.โ
โMay God Almighty grant His beloved servantย eternalย rest,” Tinubu concluded.
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