Abuja/Geneva – Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the World Health Organization (WHO) mourned the Pope Francis death. Both issued statements following the Pontiff’s passing, which occurred one day after his Easter Sunday blessing.
President Tinubu released a condolence message on Monday. He joined Catholics and Christians globally in grieving. “With a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis,” Tinubu said. He noted the timing shortly after Easter.
Tinubu Honours Pope Francis
President Tinubu called Pope Francis a “humble servant of God” and the “world’s most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change.” He recognized the Pope’s role as a unifier.
“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,” Tinubu stated. He highlighted the Pope’s focus on the poor, peace, and the environment. Tinubu called the Pope Francis death “a profound loss to the world.”
WHO Director-General Pays Tribute
The World Health Organization also expressed sorrow. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared his experience. “I had the honour to meet with him several times—each time I felt personally inspired by his humility,” Dr. Tedros stated. He called Pope Francis “a humble yet powerful voice of wisdom and humanity.”
Dr. Tedros praised the Pope’s work for the poor, human dignity, and health equity. “Our world needs more leaders like His Holiness—to champion peace and put the poorest and most vulnerable first. He will be greatly missed,” he added. The WHO noted the Vatican’s advocacy under Pope Francis on issues like climate change following the Pope Francis death.
President Tinubu extended condolences from Nigeria to the Vatican and Christians globally, praying for the Pope’s eternal rest.
Abdullah Korede
