The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Yusuf Tuggar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi; Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, have mourned the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Yusuf Tuggar, yesterday conveyed the Federal Government’s sympathy in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja.

Tuggar said: “The Nigerian government expresses profound sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis, who departed this life on April 21, at the age of 88 years.

“The Holy Father was a global moral leader, whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and the dignity of all people.”

Obi yesterday described the late Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis as a moral compass in a troubled world.

The former governor of Anambra State, in a condolence message posted on his X handle, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

According to Obi, the death of Pope Francis marks the end of a significant era in the spiritual and moral leadership of not only the Catholic Church but also the wider global community.

Reflecting on his personal encounters with the late Pope, Obi said; throughout his life and pontificate, during which I had the privilege of meeting him on three occasions, he embodied the virtues of faith, hope, and compassion.

Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), described the late Pope Francis as a shepherd defined by humility, courage, and a steadfast commitment to the marginalised.

In a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the Church in Nigeria paid tribute to the late Pope’s enduring legacy, describing him as a shepherd defined by humility, courage, and a steadfast commitment to the marginalsed.

The statement underscored his lifelong devotion to fostering kindness, human fraternity, and interfaith dialogue, with the aim of building peace and promoting mutual understanding among people of different faiths and backgrounds.

He brought hope for peace in a diverse nation, says CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday described the late Pope Francis as someone committed to interfaith dialogue, who brought hope for peace in a diverse nation, and nurturing unity in the face of many challenges.

CAN said he was a towering figure of faith whose papacy radiated mercy, justice, and a profound love for humanity.

The religious body said he left an indelible mark on Nigeria, where he strengthened the church by appointing Nigerian bishops and cardinals, affirming the vibrant faith of our people.

According to a statement issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; “It is with deep sorrow that the CAN mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who departed this life at the age of 88. On behalf of the national leadership of CAN and the entire Christian community in Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and to all who held dear his extraordinary leadership and boundless compassion.”

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo consoled the Catholic faithful over the demise of Pope Francis.

He said the death of His Holiness has caused him pain and deep sadness, despite his peaceful transition at the age of 88.

In his condolence message, in Awka, through his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo condoled with Catholic Church in Anambra State, Nigeria, the Vatican, and the global Christian community.

He said the loss of Pope Francis, a globally respected icon of faith, humility, and compassion, has indeed grieved the hearts of Catholics and all humanity as his lifelong dedication to championing the cause of the poor, fostering interfaith unity and advocating for peace and justice has left the world a better place.

Former Governor Kalu, in a statement, described Pope Francis as a beacon of hope, peace, and humility whose papacy touched billions of lives across the globe.

“The passing of Pope Francis is a monumental loss to the Christian faith and the world at large.

“He was a true shepherd of peace, love, and compassion. His messages of unity and selfless service resonated deeply with both the faithful and those outside the Catholic Church,” Kalu said.

The Lagos State University Muslim Community (LASUMC) expressed shock at the death of Pope Francis.

The community described the pontiff as an iconic leader whose legacy of universal peace will be long remembered.

Chief Imam of the LASU Muslim community, Prof. Amidu Sanni, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), describing the news as a “rude shock.”

 “His loss is devastating, as he was an icon of peaceful religious coexistence and world peace.

“The Pope inspired hope for a new world order based on pluralism and the protection of the vulnerable, not brute force.

“The LASU Muslim community, along with the wider Muslim ummah, extend their condolences to the Catholic world and Christendom,” said Sanni.

Sanni also noted the significance of the Pope’s final Easter Monday address, which focused on peace, love, and solidarity with the oppressed, particularly Palestinians in Gaza and those held hostage.

He urged that the Pope’s memory be honoured by reaffirming faith and commitment to improving life at all levels.

He also stressed the importance of addressing global tensions threatening peace in regions such as Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East.