Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, has extended his condolences to the Catholic Church and the global Christian community following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
In a solemn statement issued on Monday, Atiku described the late Pontiff as a moral compass, whose leadership was marked by humility, courage, and unwavering devotion to humanity.
“It is with a heart heavy with sorrow that I extend my deepest condolences to the Holy See, the Catholic Church in Nigeria and across the world, and the entire Christian faithful on the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis,” he said.
“The departure of Pope Francis marks the end of an era defined by humility, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to the service of humanity.”
Okay.ng reports that Atiku hailed Pope Francis as a trailblazer, describing his papacy as a source of hope, healing, and inclusion, especially for the most vulnerable in society.
“He was a shepherd of the most vulnerable and worked for a better and united world. A Pontiff who walked among the people, whose voice echoed the cries of the poor and whose hands reached toward those cast aside by the world.”
“His papacy was a bridge of compassion in a time of division, a balm of grace in a wounded world.”
Atiku added that it was symbolic for the Pope to pass away on a sacred day for Christians, emphasizing the depth of his spiritual legacy.
“To Catholics in Nigeria and beyond, and to the Christian community worldwide, I share in your sorrow and stand with you in prayer. May the memory of Pope Francis continue to inspire us toward unity, compassion, and peace. And may his soul, now freed from the burdens of this world, find eternal rest in the presence of the Almighty.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had been battling bilateral pneumonia and was recently discharged from hospital on March 23. Despite his health struggles, he was last seen greeting crowds on Easter Sunday from the gallery of St Peter’s Basilica after celebrating Mass with the faithful.
