The death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, has been deeply felt by the Federal Government.
In a statement, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed the condolences of the Federal Government.
As the head of the Catholic Church and the political leader of Vatican City, the statement characterized the late Holy Father as a world-renowned moral leader whose papacy was characterized by compassion, humility, and an unwavering dedication to social justice, peace, and the dignity of all people.
“Nigeria joins the international community, especially the Catholic faithful worldwide, in mourning this tremendous loss and expresses its condolences to the nation’s Catholic church’s teaming population,” the statement said. Pope Francis’ calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a ray of hope amidst difficulties in Nigeria, where his profound concern for the underprivileged, refugees, and war victims struck a deep chord.
“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. In line with his global pastoral mission, he is also deserving of praise for his support of peace in Africa and other conflict zones worldwide.
“Therefore, Nigeria offers its deepest condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and the Argentine people, who gave the world this extraordinary pontiff,” the statement continued.
“We pray for his soul to rest in peace and believe that his legacy of kindness, communication, and concern for our shared home will live on.”
