April 21, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, Head of the Roman Catholic Church.
THEWILL had earlier reported that Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
In a condolence statement he personally signed, Tinubu described the Pope’s passing—coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection—as a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.
He hailed the late Pope as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.”
The statement read, “Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions. His 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 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 between the rich and the poor.
“He was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, consistently speaking against economic injustice and praying 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.
“In my 2025 Easter Message, I joined the Christian faithful in thanksgiving for the convalescing Pontiff. I was happy to see him appear to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Alas, the Lord called him home a day later, and the world lost one of its most trenchant voices 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.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I extend condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and all Christian.”
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