By Abdulahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Abuja, Nigeria – April 21, 2025
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has joined the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, describing the late pontiff as a towering figure of peace, humility, and transformational leadership.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Dr. John Joseph Hayab, expressed deep sorrow over the Pope’s death, calling it “a moment of profound grief for Christians around the world,” including the Roman Catholic faithful in Northern Nigeria.
“Pope Francis was more than a spiritual leader. He was a symbol of hope, peace, and compassion in an increasingly divided world,” Hayab said. “His papal era was marked by remarkable progress, spiritual awakening, and bold reform.”
Highlighting the Pope’s dedication to inclusivity and social justice, Hayab noted that Pope Francis’s emergence as the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff brought a unique blend of humility, intellect, and pastoral care to the helm of the Catholic Church.
“He advocated for the poor, defended the environment, and promoted interfaith harmony. He never hesitated to speak truth to power and challenge systems of exclusion,” he added.
Northern CAN emphasized that Pope Francis’s leadership left a significant mark not only within the Vatican but also across Catholic missions, parishes, and institutions in Nigeria. His messages of service, dialogue, and mercy resonated deeply with the faithful and contributed to broader ecumenical unity.
“To the Christian community in Northern Nigeria and to Catholics worldwide, this is a time not only of mourning, but of reflection and celebration,” the statement read. “We must reaffirm our commitment to the values Pope Francis championed: love, tolerance, justice, and service to humanity.”
Rev. Hayab urged Christians to draw strength from the Pope’s legacy and continue fostering unity across denominational and religious lines, in line with the late pontiff’s vision.
“We pray that the global Church finds strength in this difficult hour, and that the Catholic faithful in Nigeria and around the world are comforted by the assurance of eternal life promised in Christ,” he said.
“May the soul of His Holiness, Pope Francis, rest in perfect peace. And may God bless the Church he so faithfully served.”
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