President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis who died in early hours of Monday.

He joined Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the Pontiff, whom he described as a “humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.”

President Tinubu also highlighted Pope Francis’s message of mercy, his advocacy for the marginalised, refugees, and migrants, and his calls for justice and environmental protection.

He praised the late pope’s efforts to build bridges between faiths and address economic injustice, particularly in the developing world.

The President noted his own Easter message, in which he expressed gratitude for the Pope’s then-convalescence and his joy at seeing the Pontiff deliver the Easter Sunday blessing.

He lamented the world’s loss of “its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change”.

On behalf of the Nigerian government and people, President Tinubu extended condolences to the Catholic Church and the global Christian community. He urged all to honour the Pope’s legacy through acts of compassion and justice.

“May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom,” President Tinubu stated.