President Bola Tinubu has shared his deep sadness over the death of Pope Francis, calling him a true friend of the poor and a source of light for people across the world.

In a message he signed himself on Easter Monday (April 21), Tinubu praised the Pope for his strong faith and lifelong service to both God and humanity. Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88.

Tinubu looked back on how Pope Francis became the head of the Catholic Church in 2013. He said the Pope brought real change to the world and was a symbol of peace who lived out the teachings of Jesus Christ—especially love for God and others.

The President also spoke about the Pope’s wise spiritual messages, saying his letters and teachings helped people understand their faith better and gave hope during hard times.

Tinubu remembered how, during his 2025 Easter message, he was thankful for the Pope’s improving health and happy to see him at the Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica. Sadly, the Pope died the next day.

“The Lord called him home, and the world lost one of its strongest voices for justice and climate protection,” Tinubu said. “May God, whom he served with all his strength, welcome him into heaven.”

Tinubu asked everyone to honour the Pope’s legacy by helping the poor, healing broken communities, and standing up for human dignity.

He ended his message by offering condolences on behalf of Nigeria to the Catholic Church, Catholics around the world, and all Christians.