“A Voice for the Voiceless: Tinubu Pays Tribute to Pope Francis After His Passing

In a moment of global mourning, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Pope Francis, calling him a “champion of the poor” and a “guiding light” to humanity, following the pontiff’s death on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The news of the Pope’s passing reverberated around the world, and President Tinubu’s message added a deeply emotional and reflective tone to the outpouring of grief and reverence for a man whose life was marked by humility, justice, and compassion.

President Tinubu, in a solemn statement personally signed and released to the public, expressed profound sorrow at the loss of a religious figure who transcended faith boundaries and offered hope to both believers and non-believers through his message of mercy, peace, and advocacy for the marginalized. “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,” he wrote.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history in 2013 when he became the first Jesuit pope and the first from Latin America. Known for his austere lifestyle, outspoken stance on climate change, and unwavering support for the underprivileged, the Pope carved a unique place in modern history by bringing the Catholic Church closer to the people — especially those on the fringes of society. His leadership was not only spiritual but also fiercely grounded in social justice, echoing with voices from the developing world, where economic hardship and inequality remain persistent challenges.

President Tinubu recalled how, even in his final days, the Pope remained an active voice for the causes he held dear. Just a day before his passing, the world watched the ailing Pontiff deliver a message of peace and hope during the Easter Sunday blessing at St. Peter’s Basilica — a gesture that, in hindsight, now feels like a final farewell. “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,” Tinubu noted. “Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change.”

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis stood out for his fearless approach to global issues, addressing topics that went beyond the pulpit. From economic injustice to the refugee crisis, from the environment to interfaith unity, the Pope never shied away from difficult conversations. He urged world leaders to treat migrants with dignity, challenged the wealthy to act with conscience, and reminded the global community that the Earth is a shared home in urgent need of preservation.

Tinubu, acknowledging these contributions, wrote: “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 marginalized, 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.”

The Nigerian leader also commended the Pope’s efforts to bridge divisions in an increasingly polarized world. In a time when nations grapple with both religious and political fractures, Pope Francis became a symbol of unity, compassion, and resilience. His frequent appeals for peace in conflict zones — including parts of Africa — as well as his repeated calls for dialogue between Christians, Muslims, Jews, and other faiths, reflected a vision of humanity rooted in love and mutual respect.

“He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity,” Tinubu said. “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.”

Not only was Pope Francis’s voice resonant, but his writings also left an indelible mark. His encyclicals and pastoral letters — especially “Laudato Si’” on the environment and “Fratelli Tutti” on fraternity and social friendship — were described by President Tinubu as “not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant.” These documents offered spiritual guidance while engaging the contemporary world’s most pressing ethical dilemmas.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in mourning, President Tinubu called on people to honor the Pope’s memory through action, not just words. His message urged citizens and leaders alike to live out the values Pope Francis held dear — helping the poor, healing broken communities, defending the dignity of every human being, and caring for the planet. “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,” he said.

In his final words, Tinubu extended his condolences on behalf of the Nigerian government and its people to the global Catholic community and the Church as a whole. “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.”

Pope Francis's passing leaves a profound void, not just in the Catholic Church, but across continents and cultures. He was not only a religious leader but a moral compass whose life spoke louder than his words. Whether visiting impoverished communities, washing the feet of prisoners, or challenging global leaders at the United Nations, he reminded the world what it means to lead with humility, serve with love, and live with purpose.

As bells toll in Rome and candles burn in chapels across the world, millions pause to remember a shepherd who walked among his flock with simplicity, courage, and boundless empathy. And in Nigeria, as in many corners of the globe, his message still echoes — a call to justice, compassion, and unwavering faith in the goodness of humanity.