‘Let’s honour him with action’ — Tinubu pays tribute to Pope Francis

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of Pope Francis.

The head of the Catholic church died on Easter Monday, aged 88, after a prolonged battle with bilateral pneumonia.

In a statement, Tinubu described the late pontiff as a “humble servant of God and a tireless champion of the poor”.

The president said the pope “called nations to welcome the stranger and challenged the powerful to act with justice”.

“Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a guiding light for millions,” the statement reads.

“His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”

He noted that Francis was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, who consistently spoke against economic injustice.

“He challenged the powerful to act with justice and reminded us that our common home — this Earth — is a gift we must protect for future generations,” Tinubu added.

“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.

“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.”

Pope Francis became the head of the Catholic church in 2013 at the age of 76.