- Highlights lessons for Nigeria’s leaders
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, one of the Catholic Church’s most revered and humble leaders, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, has expressed a heartfelt reflection on the Pope’s legacy, the future of the Papacy, and the moral call to leadership in Nigeria. In a chat with the media, Archbishop Martins described the passing of the Pope not just as a moment of sorrow, but also of hope. “When a person dies, obviously it brings sorrow, it brings sadness… but at the same time, we know that death is not the end,” he said.
For the Archbishop, the Pope’s transition is a return “home to God our Father,” a moment that encourages faith and trust in eternal life. With the Catholic Church now looking towards the future and the eventual selection of a new pontiff, the possibility of an African Pope was raised. Archbishop Martins responded with clarity and depth. “What the Church needs is a Pope that will lead the people in the faith,” he said. While acknowledging the global nature of the Church and the potential for a Pope from Africa, he emphasised that the essence of the papacy transcends nationality. “A Pope is not to be identified strictly with where he comes from. He is a servant of all.”
The Archbishop also offered a rare glimpse into his personal encounter with Pope Francis during an official visit to the Vatican. “He was a man down to earth, a man that speaks from his heart,” Archbishop Martins recalled. In one intimate moment, he asked the Pope how he dealt with criticism. “He listens, but when he’s convinced about what he’s doing, he goes ahead.” That response, the Archbishop noted, reflected the Pope’s quiet strength and deep conviction. Asked whether the humility and simplicity of Pope Francis could serve as a model for governance, Archbishop Martins did not hesitate.
“His example of leadership is one that we should all emulate, whether in government or out of government.” At a time when Nigeria faces social and economic challenges, the Archbishop urged those in power to embrace the Pope’s style of leadership, one marked by compassion, selflessness, and commitment to the common good. “Leadership that is exercised in humility, with compassion like Pope Francis did,” he said, could help lift Nigeria and other struggling nations toward a better future. As Catholics across the world await the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the election of a new Pope, Archbishop Martins’ reflections offer not just consolation, but a challenge, especially to those in positions of power, to lead not for gain, but for service.
… Harps on Security concerns among Nigerians
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, has expressed concern on the increasing rate of insecurity in the country, as he called on the government and security agencies to take charge of the situation, and protect the people before things get out of hand. Archbishop Martins made the call while speaking to the media, during the 2025 Chrism Mass, held recently at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos. According to the Archbishop, things have been bad for Nigerians, especially in the northern part where the security situation has been distressing in the recent times.
“The spate of insecurity has been a real source of concern. And you wonder what exactly is going on where people are being dislodged from their homesteads”, he said. The Archbishop called on those who have responsibility for security in the nation to take charge so that things don’t get out of hand, adding that obviously, people who are undergoing this distress of being killed and maimed are not going to just sit and watch. “They are beginning to think of how to protect themselves. And unless the state takes action, we are going to find ourselves in chaos.
And that’s why I am of the opinion that it is necessary to begin to think, to talk more seriously about this whole issue of state police”, he said. Emphasising that serious thoughts be given to establishing state police to strengthen the security apparatus in the country, Archbishop Martins noted that they can have some control over their localities, adding that whatever the challenges could be, there should be ways of overcoming them. He said many people are having challenges with such a basic thing as food and have to beg in order to eat, which is very sad, especially in a nation that has abundance of resources. The Archbishop said for things not to get worse, it is necessary for the government at all levels to engage experts in the country in the growth of the economy.
On the significance of Easter, he said: “Certainly, it’s a new life that Jesus brought to the world by his death and resurrection. And that new life is an indication that there is nothing that is impossible for God to do. “If Jesus can rise from the dead, it means everything that is dead in our lives either as individuals or as a nation can also be restored. And this is the message of hope that I think we should begin to allow ourselves to take in. But it’s also a challenge for those who have the responsibility of ruling us to do all that they need to do, in order to ensure that the resurrection of Christ takes its effect in the lives of the people.
Fr. Anthony Akinwale, the homilist at Mass, called on the priests as they renew their priestly commitment, as well as the lay faithful to strive for holiness of life, and to sanctify the world by their works, in their homes, places of work, leisure and places of buying and selling. According to him, “For after all said and done, holiness is antidote to corruption in our society. And we are not helpless, for the one who instructs us in His Word enables us by his grace.”
