Tributes continue to pour for the late Pope Francis as the Vatican announced yesterday that the Pope died of stroke that led to coma and heart failure.
A death certificate which was published by the Vatican noted that the cerebral stroke led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
Noted for his very simple and modest lifestyle, the consensus in the global tributes was that the pontiff is one dedicated to the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten.
The Vatican is already making plans for the funeral of Pope Francis, which he had requested to be far simpler than those of his predecessors.
His body may be moved to St Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday, where mourners would be invited to pay their last respects while it rests in an open coffin.
The ceremony will begin with the traditional rite of confirmation of death, presided over by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, after which the remains of Francis will be interred at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, a break from the tradition of Vatican interments, and the first of such a burial in over a century.
Weeks after reassurances about his recovery from a life-threatening respiratory infection, the global head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, surrendered to death at the age of 88 yesterday.
The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff passed away at 07:35 Rome time on Monday at his residence, marking the end of a transformative papacy that spanned over a decade.
His death came after a period of renewed public appearances, including a surprise visit to Regina Coeli prison on the Holy Thursday and a final Easter Sunday blessing in St Peter’s Square.
He had assured prison inmates of his continued intercession, expressing his desire to remain close to them. “I want to be close to you. I pray for you and your families”, he said.
The news of his demise has reverberated globally, particularly within the Vatican, where he had recently presided over major religious celebrations.
The first Latin American Pope and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis would be remembered for his global advocacy for respect for human dignity, social justice and inclusivity.
World leaders have responded to his death with an outpouring of tributes. Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, has already declared seven days of national mourning in the Pontiff’s home country.
Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praised the Pope for his powerful advocacy for climate action, justice and respect for human dignity, while United States leaders from across the political spectrum, including Donald Trump, Joe Biden and Barack Obama, expressed deep respect and sorrow.
Also, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in his tribute, highlighted the Pope’s humility and reformist legacy. Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, described the Pontiff as a symbol of compassion and service to humanity.
From Russia, President Vladimir Putin remembered him as a defender of justice, and Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, labelled him a modernist and devoted spiritual leader. Leaders from Bangladesh, Kenya and beyond also paid their respects.
For 12 years, Francis led more than one billion Catholics and reshaped the faith to make it more inclusive. He clashed with traditionalists as he reached out to migrants, gay Catholics and victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.
He filled Catholic leadership with bishops, who reflected the worldwide congregation and irrespective of the direction of global politics, he remained tenacious in his approach and humanity-based ideology. His belief in inclusive humanity motivated his sincere steps to improve relations with Muslim clerics.
He boldly criticised the powerful for their roles in climate change and was an advocate of peace; he constantly called for an end to wars during his lifetime. He believed that the future of the church depends largely on going to the margins to embrace the faithful in the modern world rather than offering a cloister away from it.
In a statement issued Monday, President Tinubu described the late Pontiff as a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor and a guiding light for millions.
The President believed that the Pope’s passing on the heels of Easter celebration was a sacred return to his maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.
He therefore urged humanity in general and Christian faithful in particular to honour the Pope by lifting those who are down, healing communities and defending the dignity of every person.
“In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging Christians to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants and the forgotten.
“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger and reminded Christians that our common home, this Earth, is a gift we must protect for future generations.
“He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ, love for God and love for humanity. In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths, and between the rich and the poor”, the President held.
He further described the pontiff as a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice, and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions.
“His encyclicals were not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant. Through his pastoral letters, the Pope offered spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world. He charted a path of renewal for all humanity through his words and deeds.
“In my 2025 Easter message, I had joined the Christian faithful in thanksgiving for the convalescing Pontiff. I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change. May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom,” Tinubu said.
MEANWHILE, attention is fast turning to the selection of his successor. The College of Cardinals, comprising more than 240 members, including 138 eligible electors under the age of 80, will gather for a conclave at the Vatican following a nine-day mourning period. Though any baptised male Roman Catholic is technically eligible, in practice, however, only cardinals have been chosen for centuries.
The process, which is conducted in secrecy within the Sistine Chapel, continues until a two-thirds majority is reached. White smoke indicates that a decision has been reached, while black smoke signals continued deliberations.
Historically, the duration varies. While the last three conclaves concluded within days, others, such as the 13th-century election of Pope Gregory X, dragged on for years.
This time, the electorate reflects Pope Francis’s global vision with a higher representation from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Among the names circulating are Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines.
Italian cardinals Matteo Zuppi and Pietro Parolin, Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo and Malta’s Mario Grech are also being mentioned as possible successors.
As the Church enters the sede vacante period, Cardinal Farrell will oversee the Vatican’s administrative functions even though his powers are limited to managing day-to-day affairs.
Although Pope Francis’s passing may mark the end of an era, the values he championed and care for the marginalised are likely to shape the next phase of the Church’s history.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis has led the Catholic Church since March 13, 2013, becoming the first pope from the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European Pope since Gregory III in the 8th Century.
Known for his humility and rejection of papal luxury, Francis resided in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than the traditional Apostolic Palace apartments.
He championed interfaith dialogue, social justice and the inclusion of marginalised communities.
One of his most significant reforms was the inclusion of women as full members of Vatican dicasteries. His stance on LGBTQ+ issues drew both praise and criticism while he upheld the Church’s doctrine that same-sex unions cannot be officially blessed, he supported the blessing of individuals, affirming their dignity.
A vocal critic of unregulated capitalism, consumerism and climate inaction, the Pope prioritised environmental advocacy, calling for urgent global cooperation to combat climate change. He denounced the death penalty as “intrinsically evil,” further aligning the Church with human rights movements worldwide.
On the global stage, Francis played a central role in major diplomatic efforts, including restoring diplomatic ties between the United States and Cuba, brokering a deal with China over bishop appointments, and advocating for refugee rights and the decriminalisation of homosexuality, moves that often sparked intense debate within conservative Catholic circles.
In 2022, he issued a historic apology for the Church’s involvement in the abuse of Indigenous children in Canadian residential schools, acknowledging the institution’s role in what he called a “cultural genocide.”
His most recent major initiative, the Synod on Synodality, launched in October 2023, has been described as the Church’s most important event since the Second Vatican Council. Focused on governance, inclusion, and listening to the laity, it underscored his vision of a more transparent, people-centred Church.
Beyond ecclesiastical matters, Pope Francis was a strong voice against global inequality, often condemning the exploitation of poor nations by wealthy ones. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he urged equitable vaccine distribution, criticising nationalism and hoarding by wealthier countries.
As the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Francis’s legacy is defined by progressive reform, humanitarian advocacy and bold diplomacy – all delivered with a pastoral spirit grounded in humility. As the world reflects on his passing, the enduring question remains how the Church sustains his transformative vision.
Also, former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the last general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has extended his condolences to the Catholic Church and the entire Christian faithful across the world on the passing of Pope Francis.
He decried that the departure of Pope Francis marked the end of an era defined by humility, moral courage and an unwavering commitment to the service of humanity.
Describing him as a trailblazer who dared to walk where no one had gone, Abubakar added that the late Pope was a shepherd of the most vulnerable, who worked for a better and united world.
“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.
“ To Catholics in Nigeria and beyond, and 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”, he added.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar, has also commiserated with the Catholic church over the pope’s demise, noting that his deep concern for the marginalized, including refugees, the poor and victims of conflict, resonated strongly in Nigeria, where his calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a beacon of hope amid challenges.
“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. Also worthy of commendation was his advocacy for peace in Africa and other conflict areas in the world, reflecting his universal pastoral mission”, he said.
In his reaction, former Abia State governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, described the Pope as a beacon of peace and humility, and prayed God for the repose of his soul.
Also, the President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has paid tribute to late Pope Francis, describing him as a leader who championed Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, Ugorji noted that the late Pontiff fostered greater understanding and cooperation among different Christian denominations and faith communities, promoting a culture of dialogue and mutual respect.
He observed that the reign of Francis was characterised by his tireless advocacy for the marginalised and vulnerable, emphasising the importance of serving the poor and promoting social justice.
According to him, Pope Francis implemented significant reforms within the Church, including changes to the liturgical books and the establishment of new departments in the Vatican Office.
“Pope Francis’ encyclical, ‘Laudato Si’, highlighted the urgent need for environmental protection and sustainable living, sparking global discussions on climate change and care for creation.”
Ugorji added that throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was revered for his humility, compassion and commitment to serving others. “His legacy will continue to inspire millions around the world”, he added.
He noted that the Pope’s funeral will follow the updated liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which he approved in April 2024 to be a simplified and solemn ceremony to reflect his desire for a more austere and faith-focused celebration.
Ugorji urged all Catholics and people of goodwill to pray for the happy repose of Pope Francis and for the Catholic Church at this period.
Also extoling the late Pope’s extraordinary leadership, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), described him as a champion of mercy, whose legacy was rooted in compassion, justice and humility.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Francis was a towering figure of faith, whose papacy radiated profound love for humanity. He added that his legacy left an indelible mark on Nigeria, where he strengthened the Church by appointing Nigerian bishops and cardinals, thereby affirming the vibrant faith of the people.
Okoh noted that the Pope’s unwavering commitment to interfaith dialogue brought hope for peace in the multi-religious country, nurturing unity in the face of many challenges.
He said: “His outspoken advocacy against poverty, corruption and inequality deeply resonated with us, urging all to uphold the dignity of every Nigerian. Though he never visited Nigeria, his pastoral journeys across Africa conveyed powerful messages of solidarity. His teachings in Laudato Si’ and Amoris Laetitia, enriched our spiritual lives, addressing vital issues such as environmental stewardship and the sanctity of family life.