By Abiola Olawale
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, United States President Donald Trump, the immediate past President of the US, Joe Biden and the King of the United Kingdom, King Charles, among hosts of other World leaders have mourned the loss of Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.
The Vatican confirmed his death at 7:35 a.m. with Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announcing that the Bishop of Rome “returned to the house of the Father” following a period of illness, including a recent battle with double pneumonia.
Since then, tributes have been pouring in from global leaders, religious figures, and millions of Catholics worldwide.
In an emotional statement, Tinubu described the pontiff as “a humble servant of God” and “a tireless champion of the poor,” highlighting his legacy of compassion and bridge-building across faiths.
The statement reads in part: “Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions. 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.
“His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end. In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.”
Also, King Charles III expressed “heavy hearts” on behalf of himself and Queen Camilla, noting Francis’ “compassion and tireless commitment” during their recent meeting in Rome.
Trump posted on social media, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”.
Additionally, US Vice President JD Vance, who met the pontiff on Easter Sunday, described him as “obviously ill” but praised his warmth during their exchange.
In this tribute, Biden called Francis “one of the most consequential leaders of our time.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Francis as a “great man and shepherd,” emphasizing their friendship and his guidance during challenging times.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a Catholic, called him a “devoted champion and loving father” to Australia’s Catholics, urging the world to heed Francis’ call for environmental stewardship.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Francis as a “beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage,” while Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised his “heart open to all.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi hailed Francis as a “voice of peace” and a supporter of the Palestinian cause.
Meanwhile, the Vatican has already entered a period of mourning known as the Novendiales, a nine-day cycle of memorial Masses.
His body will be moved from Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, to lie in state, allowing the faithful to pay their respects.
The funeral is expected to be held between the fourth and sixth day after his death.
It was gathered that Francis would be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, per his wishes, breaking from the tradition of interment in St. Peter’s Basilica.
