President Bola Tinubu on Monday urged the Catholic faithful and Christians to honour Pope Francis not with words alone but with action.
This, Tinubu said, is by lifting those who are down, “healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person.”
The Nigerian leader made the plea when he joined the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who was described as a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.
Tinubu, in his condolences extended to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful on Monday, said Pope Francis’ 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.
“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 Christians 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 nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded Christians that our common home—this Earth—is a gift we must protect for future generations.
“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 the rich and the poor.”
Tinubu said Pope Francis 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.
“His 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.”
According to President Tinubu, “In my 2025 Easter Message, I joined the Christian faithful in thanksgiving for the convalescing Pontiff. I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Alas, 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.”
As the world mourns the late Pontiff, the Nigerian leader urged Christians to 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,” Tinubu 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.
“May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest.”
