President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined the global community in mourning the death of Pope Francis, describing him as a “humble servant of God” and “a guiding light for millions” whose life was defined by mercy, justice, and love for humanity.
In a solemn tribute issued on Monday, Tinubu said the Pope’s death, coming shortly after Easter, “is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”
“Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis,” the President stated. “He was a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.”
President Tinubu praised the late pontiff’s legacy as a spiritual leader who consistently gave voice to the voiceless and remained steadfast in his call for justice, compassion, and environmental responsibility.
“In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy,” Tinubu recalled, “urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.”
He noted that Pope Francis “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.”
The Nigerian leader also commended the Pope’s efforts in building unity across religious and social divides
According to the death certificate released on Monday,by the Vatican,Pope Francis died of a stroke, causing a coma and “irreversible” heart failure.
The 88-year-old Catholic leader died on Monday morning, almost a month after being discharged from five weeks in hospital with double pneumonia.
The cause of Pope Francis’ death has been identified as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
The Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, issued the official certification, and the Holy See Press Office released the report on Monday evening.
According to the medical report, the Pope had a prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes.
His death was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography. “I hereby declare,” wrote Dr. Arcangeli, “that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above.”
AFP
