The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has joined the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 in Vatican City.
In her tribute, the Minister described Pope Francis as a remarkable servant of humanity whose moral leadership, humility, and advocacy for peace earned him global reverence across religions, cultures, and borders.
Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze, in a statement on Monday quoted her to have indicated,
“The world has lost a rare soul—a man whose gentle strength gave hope to the poor, the oppressed, and the forgotten. Pope Francis was a symbol of unity and a true humanitarian who used his voice for justice, reconciliation, and love,” she stated.
Minister Musawa praised the Pope’s consistent efforts in bridging divides among nations and faiths, noting that his commitment to peace left a profound impact on global diplomacy and human rights.
“He was not just the head of the Catholic Church, but a guiding light for all people of goodwill. His empathy, courage, and tireless service to the underprivileged made him a towering figure of our time. He was indeed a Talakawa—a voice of the voiceless.”
She offered her condolences to the Catholic Church, the Vatican, and the global community, urging that his legacy be a call to action for all who seek a more compassionate and inclusive world.
“May his legacy continue to inspire us to build bridges of understanding and to serve others with humility. May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace.”
Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 AM in Casa Santa Marta, his residence in the Vatican. He was the spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide and will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to humanity.
