President Tinubu, World Leaders Mourn Pope Francis’ Death

President Bola Tinubu and other world leaders have joined Catholics and Christians around the globe in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday morning.

KanyiDaily had reported that Pope Francis, who has been battling with bilateral pneumonia, died on April 21 after making a hopeful appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.

Pope Francis had served as the head of the Catholic Church since 2013. During his time as Pontiff, he focused on helping the poor, welcoming migrants, protecting the environment, and promoting global peace.

In a statement issued by his aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, President Tinubu described Pope Francis as a humble servant of God and a passionate advocate for the poor.

He praised the Pope’s unwavering efforts to build bridges between faiths and his strong voice for justice, mercy, and unity.

The President noted the symbolic timing of the Pope’s passing, calling it a sacred return to his Maker during a season of renewal.

It read, “PRESIDENT TINUBU’S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS

Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions. His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.

His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end. In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.

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 for future generations.

He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity. In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor.

He was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions.

His encyclicals were not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant. Through his pastoral letters, the Pope offered spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world. He charted a path of renewal for all humanity through his words and deeds.

In my 2025 Easter Message, I joined the Christian faithful in thanksgiving for the convalescing Pontiff. I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change. May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom.

As we mourn the late Pontiff, let us also celebrate his legacy. Let us honour him not with words alone but with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, I extend condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful. May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest.”

Leaders from around the world have also expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to the Pope’s lasting impact:

Iran

The Iranian Foreign Ministry offered condolences to Christians worldwide, recognizing the Pope’s influence even in predominantly Muslim nations.

“My colleagues have just informed me of the news… I offer my condolences to all Christians around the world,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said at a press briefing. Iran, a Muslim-majority country, maintains close ties with the Vatican.

Israel

President Isaac Herzog described the Pope as a man of deep compassion who valued interfaith dialogue and strong ties with the Jewish community.

“He rightly saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue as a path toward greater understanding and mutual respect,” the president said in a post on X.

United States

Vice President JD Vance, who met with the Pope just before his death, said his heart goes out to Christians across the world and remembered the Pope’s visibly weakened condition on Easter Sunday.

“My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” he posted on X. “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill.”

Russia

President Vladimir Putin called the Pope a wise spiritual leader and praised his work in promoting dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

“During all the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See,” Putin wrote.

Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the Pope’s continued prayers for peace in Ukraine and expressed shared grief with the Christian community.

“We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians,” Zelensky wrote on social media.

France

President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Pope Francis’s compassion for the vulnerable and said his leadership stood for justice and brotherhood.

Speaking during a trip to the Pacific region, Macron expressed his “most sincere condolences to Catholics the world over” after the death of Francis who, he said, had stood for a “brotherly humankind”.

Spain

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez commended the Pope’s lifelong dedication to peace and social justice.

“I am sorry to hear of the death of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace,” the Socialist leader wrote on X.

Italy

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Pope Francis’s death as a deep loss, calling him “a great man” who had now returned to God.

“Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s home. It is deeply sad news, because a great man has left us,” Meloni said in a statement.

Germany

Chancellor Friedrich Merz remembered the Pope for his humility and commitment to justice and reconciliation.

“The pope will remain in our memories for his indefatigable commitment to the most vulnerable, for justice and for reconciliation,” he added.

Ireland

Prime Minister Michael Martin praised the Pope’s focus on dignity and compassion, particularly for the marginalized and oppressed.

“Pope Francis’ long and distinguished papacy was marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace and human dignity” said Martin, adding that he would be remembered for his “expression of pain and shame” about historic child abuses in the Catholic Church during his 2018 visit to Ireland.

India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sadness and said Pope Francis would always be remembered for his humility and courage.

“Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world,” the Hindu-nationalist leader said in a statement. “I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development.”

Ethiopia

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent condolences and said the Pope’s legacy would continue to inspire generations.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come,” Abiy wrote in a post on X.

Egypt

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called the Pope a global figure of peace and love, and praised his support for Palestine and efforts to encourage global dialogue.

Extending his condolences, Sisi said the late Catholic leader was an exceptional global figure who “worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and build bridges of dialogue … and was a champion of the Palestinian cause, defending legitimate rights and calling for an end to conflict”.

Paris

In Paris, the iconic Notre-Dame cathedral rang its bells 88 times—once for each year of the Pope’s life. The gesture was followed by special Masses held in his honour.

Pope Francis, who had recently been discharged from hospital after treatment for double pneumonia, surprised worshippers by appearing on Easter Sunday.

His death the following morning marked the end of a papacy that touched lives far beyond the Catholic Church.