The death of Pope Francis in the early hours of Monday has triggered a wave of tributes from leaders across Nigeria and around the world.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who made history as the first Latin American pope and one of the oldest to lead the Catholic Church, died just days after returning from a hospital stay in Rome for severe pneumonia.
Despite a temporary recovery, the Holy Father passed away at the Vatican, ending a profound and transformative era of papal leadership.
Nigerian Leaders Pay Tribute
Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, described Pope Francis as a “moral compass in a troubled world.” He praised the Pope’s humility, moral courage, and commitment to justice and compassion, adding that his teachings would continue to inspire generations.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, calling it a significant loss for Christianity and global social and economic progress. She also highlighted his support for the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, which he championed alongside Grand Imam Ahmed Al Tayeb, and shared early and recent photos with him.
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, called the Pope’s passing “the end of an era,” emphasizing his efforts to uplift the poor and bridge global divides.
General (President) Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the Pope as “a humble servant of God,” noting his passionate advocacy for justice, the environment, and the marginalized. In his statement, Tinubu recalled his 2025 Easter message which celebrated the Pope’s resilience, only to be followed by the Pope’s death a day later.
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, said Pope Francis was a “strong ethical compass” and “a loss to humanity.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari focused on the Pope’s legacy of defending the poor, migrants, and fostering interfaith dialogue, describing him as a friend to the vulnerable and a rare bridge-builder between Islam and Christianity.
Global Leaders Join in Mourning
King Charles III remembered Pope Francis for his compassion and unity, while UK Prime Minister Kerr Stammer called him “a pope for the poor and the forgotten.”
US leaders, including former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, expressed condolences. Vance shared a personal memory of meeting the Pope just a day before his passing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Argentine President Javier Milei paid homage to the Pope’s diplomatic and spiritual legacy, while Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and EU officials like Ursula von der Leyen praised his love for the poor and moral clarity.
From India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the Pope’s commitment to inclusive development. African leaders including Kenya’s William Ruto, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa.
Middle Eastern and European leaders, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, highlighted his unwavering pursuit of peace and justice.
Church leaders, such as Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of the Philippines, called for national prayers, symbolizing the deep emotional impact of the Pope’s passing on the global Christian community.
A Legacy Beyond Borders
Pope Francis will be remembered as a shepherd to the marginalized, a voice for climate action, and a symbol of humility and interfaith dialogue. His death, on Easter Monday, carries spiritual poignance for millions. As tributes continue to pour in, the world reflects on a papacy defined not only by religious leadership but by courageous advocacy for a more humane and compassionate world.
