Vatican City: In a statement by Malam Garba Shehu, his spokesman, Buhari said Christians in Nigeria and across the world would miss an exemplary leader of the church.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the former President joined Christians all across the world in mourning the demise of the Head of the Catholic Church, who departed the earth on Easter Monday. Buhari highlighted that Pope Francis was a leader who served the poor and the weak, and showed concern for migrants and refugees.
Buhari noted that Pope Francis worked towards fostering a beneficial and complementary relationship between Islam and Christianity, the world’s two largest religions. He also mentioned that just hours before his passing, Pope Francis called for an end to the conflict in Gazzah, expressing hope that Israel and Hamas would honor this plea as a final tribute to the Pope. Pope Francis was known for bringing attention to issues like climate change and recognizing the Palestinian State.
The former president expressed his desire for a new leader who would continue the inspiring legacies of Pope Francis. The Pope passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. In the lead-up to his death, he had reduced his public appearances due to treatment for chronic lung disease, including a respiratory crisis and pneumonia. His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday.