Nigeria Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis: As a Beacon of Peace and Compassion Goes Home. By Raymond Enoch.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the global Catholic community following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria hailed the late pontiff as a towering figure of humility, compassion, and unwavering moral courage.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was celebrated globally for his deep empathy for the marginalized, his outspoken defense of social justice, and his persistent call for peace in conflict-ridden regions—including parts of Africa. His commitment to interreligious dialogue and his advocacy for the dignity of every human life resonated powerfully in Nigeria, a country often challenged by religious and ethnic divisions.
“The Holy Father was a global moral leader whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace,” the statement read. Nigeria joins the Catholic faithful worldwide and millions of non-Catholics alike in mourning the death of a spiritual leader whose voice served as a moral compass in a turbulent world.
His 2022 apology for the Church’s role in historical injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples during colonial times, is remembered in Nigeria as a bold step toward healing and global reconciliation. Furthermore, Pope Francis’s consistent attention to the plight of the poor, the displaced, and the voiceless found particular resonance in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the global Catholic Church, and the people of Argentina, who “gifted the world this extraordinary pontiff.”
As prayers are offered across Nigeria for the repose of his soul, the Ministry urges all Nigerians to reflect on the late pontiff’s legacy—one of mercy, unity, and care for our shared humanity.
“We trust that his legacy will endure in the hearts of all who seek a more just, compassionate, and peaceful world,” the statement concluded.
