Tinubu, Obi, Kefas mourn Pope Francis, pay tribute to late pontiff’s global legacy

Tinubu, Obi, Kefas mourn Pope Francis, pay tribute to late pontiff’s global legacy

By Ndukaku Ihe

Prominent Nigerians led by President Bola Tinubu have continued to mourn the death of Pope Francis, describing the late pontiff as a humble, tireless servant of God, and a champion of the poor, and beacon of hope for millions worldwide.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, following a period of illness marked by a recent recovery from pneumonia. His passing was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
In his statement, President Tinubu said he joins Catholics and Christians globally in mourning the Pope’s death, noting the significance of his passing just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.

The President praised Pope Francis’ unwavering advocacy for the marginalized, refugees, and migrants, as well as his calls for justice, environmental protection, and interfaith unity.
Tinubu highlighted the Pope’s efforts to bridge divides, promote peace, and speak out against economic injustice, especially in the developing world. He also reflected on the Pope’s influential encyclicals and pastoral letters, which offered spiritual clarity and hope amid global challenges.
Recalling his 2025 Easter message, President Tinubu said he was grateful to have witnessed the Pope deliver the traditional Easter blessing, just a day before his passing. He described Pope Francis as “the world’s most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change.”
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and all Christians, urging Nigerians and the world to honour the late pontiff’s legacy through actions that uplift the vulnerable and defend human dignity.
“May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest,” the President said.

Mourning the late pontiff, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, described Pope Francis as a Moral Compass in a Troubled world, who had a deep concern for the Poor.

In a condolence message to the Universal Church, the Bishops, Priests, religious and faithful, Obi said the 88-year-old Pontiff left a lasting legacy in his reformative tenure.

Writing on his X handle on Monday, the LP standards bearer said, ‘I received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. His death marks the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the wider world.

“Throughout his life and pontificate – during which I had the privilege of meeting him on three occasions – Pope Francis embodied the virtues of faith, hope, and compassion. He led with humility, spoke with wisdom, and acted with moral courage. He constantly strove to draw humanity closer to the ideals of peace, justice, and love. His deep concern for the poor, his steadfast advocacy for moral leadership, and his defence of human dignity earned him the admiration of people across all faiths and nations.

“As a member of the Scholas Occurrences Foundation, founded by Pope Francis, I deeply appreciate his belief in education, dialogue, and youth empowerment as vital instruments for building a more just and compassionate world.

“Pope Francis devoted his life to the service of God and humanity. His legacy will live on not only in the hearts of the faithful but also in the global conscience he helped shape with grace, clarity, and conviction. In an age marked by division and uncertainty, his voice remained a steady call to unity, mercy, and justice.

“On behalf of myself, my family and millions of Nigerians who found inspiration in his teachings and example, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the universal Church. May God, in His infinite mercy, grant eternal rest to his gentle soul and guide the Church he so lovingly shepherded.

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas also commiserated with the Catholic community in the state and the country over the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.

In a statement issued in Jalingo and signed by Hon. Emmanuel Bello, the SA Media and Digital communication to the Governor, Kefas said the late Pope was, in every way, a true servant of Christ and a man of the people.

He noted that his strong voice against injustice and oppression will be greatly missed at the time that it is needed the most.

“I received the news of the demise of leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis this morning with a very heavy heart. Pope Francis was a great man of the people, a champion for peace who promoted inter-religious engagement.

“His death, sadly, comes at a time his strong voice against injustice and suppression is needed the most. He was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation.

“I sincerely commiserate with the Catholic community in our dear state, country and indeed, the world over this irreparable loss. May God rest his soul” the statement reads in part.