Former President Muhammadu Buhari has joined Christians across the globe in mourning the death of Pope Francis, describing the late head of the Catholic Church as a strong voice for the poor, the weak, and displaced people around the world.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, prompting global tributes and condolences from religious and political leaders.
In his reaction to the news, Buhari acknowledged the Pope’s commitment to humanitarian causes and interfaith dialogue.
Buhari stated, in a statement signed by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, that Christians in Nigeria and all over the world would miss the exemplary leadership of the church by a pope who served the poor and the weak, and cared much about migrants and refugees.
The former president highlighted the pope’s efforts in fostering peace and unity among religious communities.
“Just hours before his demise, he made a call for an end to the war in Gazzah. I hope Israel and Hamas will heed this call as a final respect to the Pope who had the distinction of bringing climate change to the Vatican and recognising the Palestinian State,” he said.
The former Nigerian leader concluded with a wish that the next leader of the Catholic Church would continue Pope Francis’s legacy.
