Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has joined global voices in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday. In a heartfelt tribute issued through his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari described the late pontiff as a moral beacon whose life was dedicated to the service of humanity, particularly the poor, the displaced, and those on the margins of society.
Reflecting on the Pope’s legacy, Buhari emphasized the global loss felt by Christians in Nigeria and around the world. He hailed Pope Francis’s deep compassion, tireless advocacy for migrants and refugees, and his unwavering support for the underprivileged.
“He was a Pope who served the poor and the weak and cared much about migrants and refugees,” Buhari said.The former president also highlighted the Pope’s efforts in bridging divides between Christianity and Islam, noting his commitment to fostering interfaith harmony.
“He strove to build a beneficial, complementary relationship between the followers of the world’s two greatest religions—Islam and Christianity,” Buhari added.
Buhari recalled that just hours before his passing, Pope Francis had called for an end to the war in Gaza, urging peace between Israel and Hamas. He expressed hope that this final appeal would be honored in memory of the Pope, who championed peace and justice throughout his papacy.
