Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined his African counterparts to mourn the passing of Pope Francis who was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, aged 88.
In a statement signed by the President who on behalf of the Government and the people of Nigeria, extended condolences to the Catholic Church, global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful.
BBC reports that Pope Francis died of stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure on Monday at about 07:35 local time, he was recently discharged from hospital after weeks of treatment for an infection.
Tinubu said Pope Francis was a tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions, while added that his passing, coming just after celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.
Paying tributes to the pontiff, the President said Pope Francis’ 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.
“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us 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.
“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”.
Tinubu stated that Pope Francis’ 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”. 
He recalled his 2025 Easter Message, when he joined the Christian faithful in thanksgiving for the convalescing Pontiff, happy to watch Pope 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 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”, Nigerian President said.Other African leaders like South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa while reacting on X said as a global figurehead, Pope Francis advanced a world view of inclusion, equality, care for marginalised individuals and groups, responsible and sustainable custody of the natural environment.
He added that Pope Francis’ extra- ordinary life story and ascendancy to the Holy See unfolded with humility and a profound commitment to making the Church and the world a better place for all of humanity.
“Following so soon after the celebration of Easter, Pope Francis’ passing will extend this traditional period of prayer and reflection, which’ll unite the Church and the international community in reflecting on the Holy Father’s life and legacy”, the President said.William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya on X said Pope Francis’ death is a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world, adding that the Pope will be remembered for a life dedicated to serving the Lord, the Church, and humanity.
Kenyan President said Pope Francis exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable.
Ruto pressed further that Pope Francis’ strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background, while praying for the Pope’s soul to rest in eternal peace.
