By Former President Muhammadu Buhari has joined millions of Christians around the globe in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who reportedly passed away on Easter Monday. The news has sent shockwaves through religious communities worldwide, including Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari paid tribute to the late Pope’s legacy of humility, compassion, and service to humanity. “Christians in Nigeria and all over the world would miss the exemplary leadership of the church by a Pope who served the poor and the weak, and cared much about migrants and refugees,” the statement read.
Buhari praised the Pope’s efforts in bridging the gap between the world’s two largest religions. “He was a Pope who strove to build a beneficial, complementary relationship between the followers of the world’s two greatest religions — Islam and Christianity,” Buhari said.
Highlighting the Pope’s final act before his death, Buhari noted his passionate call for peace in the Middle East. “Just hours before his demise, he made a call for an end to the war in Gaza. I hope Israel and Hamas will heed this call in final respect to the Pope,” he added.
The former President also lauded the Pope’s global advocacy, from pushing climate action within the Vatican to formally recognizing the Palestinian State. These, he said, were bold and visionary moves that defined the Pope’s tenure.
Buhari concluded his statement by expressing hope that the next leader of the Catholic Church would build upon the solid and inspiring foundation laid by Pope Francis.
