Atiku, Obi Mourn Pope Francis

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have mourned the demise of Pope Francis and condoled with the Catholic Church in Nigeria and across the world.

While Atiku described the pope as a shepherd to the most vulnerable who “dared to walk where no one has gone,” Obi said the late religious leader had a deep concern for the poor, was steadfast in advocacy for moral leadership, and defend human dignity which earned him the admiration of people across all faiths and nations.

Atiku, in a statement, said Pope Francis’ departure marks the end of an era defined by humility, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to the service of humanity.

“Pope Francis was a Pontiff who walked among the people, whose voice echoed the cries of the poor and whose hands reached toward those cast aside by the world. His papacy was a bridge of compassion in a time of division, a balm of grace in a wounded world.

“That his soul should be called home on a sacred day of Christians is a solemn and divine punctuation — one that reminds us that even as the earthly journey ends, a new and glorious dawn awaits those who have lived for others.

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“To Catholics in Nigeria and beyond, and to the Christian community worldwide, I share in your sorrow and stand with you in prayer.

“May the memory of Pope Francis continue to inspire us toward unity, compassion, and peace. And may his soul, now freed from the burdens of this world, find eternal rest in the presence of the Almighty,” Atiku said.

In his condolence message to the Universal Church, the Bishops, Priests, religious and faithful, Obi said the 88-year-old Pontiff left a lasting legacy in his reformative tenure, adding that he was a moral compass in a troubled world.

Writing on his X handle on Monday, the LP standards bearer said, ‘I received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. His death marks the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the wider world.

“Throughout his life and pontificate – during which I had the privilege of meeting him on three occasions – Pope Francis embodied the virtues of faith, hope, and compassion. He led with humility, spoke with wisdom, and acted with moral courage. He constantly strove to draw humanity closer to the ideals of peace, justice, and love. His deep concern for the poor, his steadfast advocacy for moral leadership, and his defence of human dignity earned him the admiration of people across all faiths and nations.

“As a member of the Scholas Occurrences Foundation, founded by Pope Francis, I deeply appreciate his belief in education, dialogue, and youth empowerment as vital instruments for building a more just and compassionate world.

“Pope Francis devoted his life to the service of God and humanity. His legacy will live on not only in the hearts of the faithful but also in the global conscience he helped shape with grace, clarity, and conviction. In an age marked by division and uncertainty, his voice remained a steady call to unity, mercy, and justice.

“On behalf of myself, my family and millions of Nigerians who found inspiration in his teachings and example, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the universal Church. May God, in His infinite mercy, grant eternal rest to his gentle soul and guide the Church he so lovingly shepherded.”