The world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. As the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis served for 13 years, leaving behind a legacy of humility, social justice, and advocacy for the marginalised.

His death has prompted global tributes, with national flags across Europe and beyond flying at half-mast to honour his profound impact, and it is a similar sequence of events over in Nigeria, where there have been both mourning and celebration of a life well lived.

The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, who is expected back in the country today after a 2-week working visit to Paris, France, has remarked about the Pope’s demise as a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.

A press statement attributed to Mr. Tinubu said that with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.

Pope Francis’s tenure as the Bishop of Rome was marked by modest dealings and a commitment to bridging divides within the Church and the wider world. His approach to leadership resonated deeply with millions, including Nigerians, who admired his dedication to inclusivity and compassion.

Although he sadly didn’t visit the country, throughout his papacy, Pope Francis maintained a strong connection with Nigeria, where one of the largest Catholic populations in Africa resides. His interactions with Nigerian clergy, laity, and government officials underscored his commitment to fostering unity and understanding across diverse cultures.

Nigerians who met Pope Francis

Over the years, several prominent Nigerians have had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis, either during official visits to the Vatican or at international events. These encounters often centred on discussions about faith, social justice, and the role of the Church in addressing global challenges.

Among those who met the Pope were members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), who visited the Vatican to discuss issues affecting the Church in Nigeria. These meetings highlighted the Pope’s concern for the welfare of Nigerian Catholics and his support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace and development in the country.

Additionally, Nigerian government officials, including those who have been the President and a governor. All these profiles had opportunities to engage with Pope Francis during diplomatic visits.

These interactions often focused on fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and the Vatican, as well as addressing pressing global issues such as poverty, migration, and climate change.

As for Goodluck Jonathan, the former President of Nigeria (2010–2015), there is no specific record in the search results detailing his meetings with Pope Francis. However, Jonathan has been known to engage with global leaders, including religious figures, during his tenure as President.

Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 General Elections, admitted that he met Pope Francis on three occasions during the pontiff’s lifetime.

One of these meetings was connected to his affiliation with the Scholas Occurrentes Foundation, an initiative founded by Pope Francis to promote education and youth empowerment.

Particularly on the day he is being mourned, Mr. Obi via his X profile, has shared photos of these encounters, reflecting his admiration for the Pope’s advocacy for justice, compassion, and moral leadership.

On behalf of myself, my family and millions of Nigerians who found inspiration in his teachings and example, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the universal Church, reads a tweet the former governor posted in the morning when the news of Francis’s passing was still fresh.

The tweet by Peter Obi was accompanied by pictorial accounts of the meetings with the deceased, and in one of the frames captured a photo of President Goodluck Jonathan who is also regarded as a man of peace.

Impact on Nigerian Catholics

Pope Francis’s leadership had a profound impact on Nigerian Catholics, inspiring them to embrace the values of humility, service, and compassion. His emphasis on social justice resonated deeply in a country grappling with economic inequality and social challenges.

The last time a Pope visited Nigeria was Saint John Paul II in 1998 when he made a second Apostolic Voyage to Nigeria during a turbulent period. During this period, the country’s president at the time was the military ruler, General Sani Abacha.

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During the three-day visit to Nigeria, Pope John Paul II repeatedly challenged Abacha’s military government to respect human rights and work towards national reconciliation.

In the present times, the country deals with insurgency challenges in places like Plateau and Benue States, which is why the Catholic Bishops in these locations have urged a visit back to the country because perhaps, it might bring long-lasting divine relief for the people feeling like they are living under a siege.

Sadly, this long-standing wish, expressed during an Ad Limina Visit to the Vatican City by the Nigerian bishops in April 2018, never materialised.

While there, the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, speaking to the Vatican News, repeated what Pope Francis had told them. He said that we should be courageous, particularly with regard to the recent troubles, [and] with regard to terrorists that masquerade as herdsmen. [The Holy Father] told us to tell our people that he is with us in spirit and he is praying for us.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.