- Tributes pour in from President Tinubu, African Bishops, Catholic Secretariat, Archbishop Martins, CAN, others
The passing of Pope Francis has sent shock waves across the globe, with leaders and citizens alike mourning the loss of a Supreme Pontiff who championed the cause of the poor, refugees, and migrants. In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the Pope’s death, describing him as a “humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a beacon of hope for millions worldwide”.
President Tinubu: ‘He challenged the powerful to act with justice
In an official statement issued by the Presidency, President Tinubu joined Catholics and Christians around the world in mourning the loss of the Pontiff, who died just a day after making a public appearance for the Easter Sunday blessing at St. Peter’s Basilica. “Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis,” the President said. “His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end.” Reflecting on the life and legacy of the late Pope, President Tinubu highlighted the Pontiff’s unwavering commitment to the marginalised, his advocacy for environmental stewardship, and his efforts to foster peace and unity in a divided world. “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,” the President said.
“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.” President Tinubu praised the Pope’s dedication to building bridges between faiths, economic classes, and cultures. He noted that Pope Francis’ encyclicals were not only doctrinal, but also timely, offering spiritual clarity in a world grappling with complexity and uncertainty. He recalled joining Christians in prayer for the convalescing Pontiff during his 2025 Easter message, expressing joy at seeing the Pope appear for Easter Sunday before his sudden passing.
“Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change,” he lamented. Calling for action beyond mourning, Tinubu urged Christians and all people of goodwill to honour Pope Francis’ memory by uplifting the downtrodden, healing communities, and defending human dignity. “Let us honour him not with words alone but with action,” the President urged.
The SECAM: ‘Pope Francis has been more than a shepherd to the universal Church’
The death of Pope Francis also drew heartfelt tributes from the Catholic Church across Africa, with the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) expressing profound sorrow and gratitude for the life of the late pontiff. SECAM in its official press statement signed by Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM, the bishops described Pope Francis as more than a spiritual leader, calling him a “profound source of inspiration” whose commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity resonated deeply across the continent. The statement read in part, “Pope Francis has been more than a shepherd to the universal Church; he has been a profound source of inspiration, particularly for us in Africa.
His unwavering commitment to social justice, peace, and the dignity of every human being resonated deeply with our continent’s struggles and aspirations.” Pope Francis, remembered for his pastoral visits to African nations, made lasting impressions through his solidarity with the people and his advocacy for marginalised communities. His encyclicals, especially “Fratelli Tutti”, were praised for calling the global Church to embrace fraternity, dialogue, and environmental stewardship. “He courageously called us to embrace the spirit of synodality,” the statement read, urging the Church to walk together in building a more inclusive community.
SECAM encouraged the faithful in Africa and its islands to join in prayerful remembrance of the Holy Father, honouring his legacy by continuing his mission of love and service. “May his soul rest in peace, and may his enduring message guide us as we strive to build a more just and loving world,” Cardinal Ambongo concluded.
The Catholic Secretariat: ‘Pope Francis was a global moral voice advocating for migrants, peace, and interfaith dialogue’
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) on behalf of Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), described the Pope’s death as a moment of great spiritual significance, coming during the Easter Season when the Church celebrates the triumph of life over death. According to the CSN’s statement, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, Pope Francis became the first Latin American Pope and the first Jesuit to ascend the papacy following his election on 13 March, 2013. His 12-year pontificate was defined by a passionate commitment to mercy, justice, and the inclusion of the marginalised.
“His return to the Lord in this sacred season offers us a consoling reminder of the Christian hope in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life,” the statement noted. Known for his deep compassion for the poor, his insistence on care for the environment, and his call for a more synodal Church, Pope Francis became a global moral voice advocating for migrants, peace, and interfaith dialogue. His calls for a culture of kindness and human fraternity resonated far beyond the Catholic world. In response to his passing, the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have been encouraged to organise Diocesan Eucharistic Celebrations for the repose of his soul. The faithful across the country are also urged to join in prayer, especially during the Divine Mercy devotion at 3:00 p.m. daily.
The Church now enters a period of sede vacante, the time between popes, during which references to the Pope are omitted from the Eucharistic Prayer during Mass. The Catholic Secretariat concluded with a prayerful farewell: “May the soul of Pope Francis and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” The statement was signed by Rev. Fr. Michael A. Banjo, Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.
Archbishop Alfred Martins: ‘Pope Francis brought fresh breath to the Catholic Church’
Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, describing him as a transformative figure who brought a “fresh breath of life” to the Catholic Church. In a heartfelt tribute, Archbishop Martins praised the late Pope’s compassionate leadership, tireless advocacy for peace, and commitment to humanitarian values. Archbishop Martins highlighted Pope Francis’s impact on the Church, noting that he introduced new dynamics and dispositions that revitalised the Church’s ministries and spiritual leadership.
He encouraged the faithful to reflect on the Pope’s legacy, emphasising the importance of service, simplicity, and spiritual guidance. The Archbishop reflected over the Holy Father’s life of dedication to the Church. Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936, and ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1969. He went on to serve the Church in various capacities, including as a bishop and cardinal, before being elected Pope in 2013. During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis left an indelible mark on the Church, inspiring countless individuals around the world with his message of love, compassion, and mercy.
Christian Association of Nigeria: ‘A towering figure of faith, whose papacy radiated mercy, justice, and love for humanity
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also paid tribute to the late Pope, describing him as a “towering figure of faith, whose papacy radiated mercy, justice, and a profound love for humanity”. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, extended condolences to the Catholic Church and all those touched by the Pope’s extraordinary leadership and boundless compassion. In a statement, Archbishop Okoh noted that Pope Francis’ papacy left an indelible mark on Nigeria, strengthening the Church through the appointment of Nigerian bishops and cardinals. He noted that although Pope Francis never visited Nigeria, his pastoral journeys across Africa and commitment to interfaith dialogue brought messages of solidarity and hope for peace in Nigeria’s diverse nation.
Archbishop Okoh lauded Pope Francis’ vocal stance on global issues such as poverty, inequality, corruption, and climate change which he claimed resonated deeply with Nigerians. CAN highlighted his landmark encyclicals, Laudato Si’ and Amoris Laetitia, which advanced teachings on environmental responsibility and the sanctity of family life. The passing of Pope Francis marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the messages of hope and compassion he preached. As the world bids him farewell, leaders and citizens alike are inspired to continue his work towards a more just, peaceful, and compassionate world.
