The Nigeria House of Representatives has received with profound grief the news of the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, 266th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State.
Pope Francis, whose passing was announced this Easter Monday at the age of 88, was a towering figure of faith and a global moral authority. Throughout his papacy, he stood as a voice for the voiceless and a tireless advocate for the dignity of all people, regardless of creed or class. His leadership was defined by humility, courage, and an enduring commitment to justice, reconciliation, and compassion.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, described the late Pope as “an extraordinary leader, unifier, and a peacemaker, who used his God-given gift of leadership to inspire faith, hope and love.”
The Speaker further observed that even in his final public appearance during the Easter Mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis remained steadfast in his call for peace across the world, exemplifying the defining character of his pontificate. “From war-torn regions to forgotten corners of the world,” he said, “Pope Francis never ceased to raise his voice for justice, mercy, and reconciliation.”
As a Parliament representing the diverse peoples of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the House extends its heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community, the Holy See, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), and indeed to all Nigerians of the Catholic faith. The House also expresses sympathies to the broader Christian community and all people of goodwill who feel the weight of this profound global loss.
The House of Representatives stands in solidarity with the international community in this period of mourning and reflection. It joins the world in praying for the peaceful repose of Pope Francis and asks for God’s guidance upon the Roman Catholic Church as it prepares to elect a successor to this great statesman, following his 12-year-long pontificate.
Signed:
Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.
Spokesman, Nigeria House of Representatives
