By Teddy Nwanunobi
President Bola Tinubu has joined other world leaders in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who died yesterday in his Casa Santa Marta residence in Vatican City, at the age of 88.
AljazirahNigeria reports that the Catholic pontiff’s death was announced by the Vatican Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who said the Pope dedicated his life to serving the Lord and the church.
In a statement he personally signed, Tinubu urged the world to celebrate Pope Francis’ legacies and honour his words.
According to him “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 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.
“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 watch his 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.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, I extend condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful”.
Besides, Yahoo News reports UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canada’s Mark Carney praised his legacy of fairness, equity, and moral clarity.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed sorrow, emphasising his enduring influence.
The White House posted “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis” early Monday after news of his passing accompanied with photos of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance visiting with the pope.
Vance, who met briefly with Pope Francis on Sunday to exchange Easter greetings, said “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” he wrote. “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful.”
Former U.S. President Joe Biden said “it is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him. For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased. As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths. He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love.”
Similarly, a former U.S. President Barack Obama said “Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another. Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope’s example. May we continue to heed his call to “never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope.””
For his part Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer said he was “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church”.
Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney said “Today I join Canadians and Catholics around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome – a shepherd of deep moral clarity, spiritual courage, and boundless compassion. From every corner of the globe, the prayers of the faithful go with Pope Francis as he journeys to his eternal rest”.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in his reaction to death of Pope Francis expressed sadness and spoke about the lasting legacy of Pope Francis.
Other World leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, paid tribute to the Pope, describing him as a man of humility and a role model for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
The Pope’s death followed a year of declining health. He twice survived life-threatening pneumonia in 2025 and spent more than a month in hospital before being discharged on March 23. He had continued to speak out on global issues almost until the very end.
Elected on March 13, 2013, following Benedict XVI’s resignation, Francis inherited a church in crisis — from widespread clergy abuse scandals to infighting within the Curia, the Holy See’s administrative body.
He was chosen with a clear mandate to restore credibility and accountability, quickly shifting the church’s tone and priorities. His leadership marked a sharp break from his predecessor’s, steering the church toward greater openness, transparency and engagement with global issues.
As the first Latin American, first Jesuit, and first non-European Bishop of Rome since Syrian-born Gregory III in the 8th century, Francis’ rise from modest beginnings in Argentina symbolised a church increasingly reflective of its diverse global flock.
His background profoundly influenced his pastoral mission. Social justice became a cornerstone of his papacy, with a focus on the poor, refugees and marginalised groups.
“He taught us to live the values of the gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized,” Cardinal Farrell said in his Monday statement.
Among the most distinctive aspects of Francis’ papacy was his engagement with the Middle East and the Arab world. His leadership was marked by historic outreach to both Muslim and Christian communities, with a persistent focus on peace and human dignity.
It would be recalled that Pope Francis made a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square a day before his passing, where he wished thousands of worshippers a happy Easter.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis had part of his lung removed in his youth due to a severe lung infection.
He later suffered from chronic lung disease, knee problems, and other health issues.
As the first Latin American pontiff, Pope Francis was known for his humility, commitment to the poor, and advocacy for social justice.
He emphasised the importance of mercy and compassion in the Church’s approach to moral and social issues.
In February 2025, Pope Francis was hospitalised for bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days in the hospital, his longest hospitalisation during his 12-year papacy.
Pope Francis’ body has been dressed in white and placed in his private chapel for a private prayer with the camerlengo, Vatican officials, and the Pope’s family. He will later be dressed in red vestments and placed in a wooden coffin lined with zinc.
The College of Cardinals will convene to begin the process of selecting a new pope, marking a period of transition for the Catholic Church.
Meanwhile, late last night, the Vatican revealed in a statement that Pope Francis died of a stroke and subsequent heart failure.
The Pope confirmed in his will that he wished to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome’s Esquilino neighbourhood, breaking with longstanding Vatican tradition. Additional report from Arab News
