Former Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis, describing the pontiff’s passing as “an irreplaceable loss to the global Catholic community and humanity at large.”
In a statement issued by his Media Office on Monday in Abuja, Fayemi, a devout Catholic, paid glowing tribute to the late Pope, praising his transformative leadership, commitment to social justice, and compassion for the poor and marginalized.
“It is with a heavy heart that I join millions of Catholics worldwide and people of goodwill across religious divides to mourn the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, whose life exemplified Christ’s teachings of love, compassion, and service to the least privileged amongst us,” Fayemi stated.
Reflecting on the late pontiff’s legacy, Fayemi said Pope Francis led the Catholic Church with humility and wisdom, championing causes that resonated deeply with people around the world, including environmental justice, support for migrants, and the promotion of peace.
“As a Catholic and public servant, I found in Pope Francis a model of leadership that transcended religious boundaries, his emphasis on mercy and dialogue inspired many of us in public service to approach governance with greater empathy and attention to the vulnerable segments of society,” he said.
Fayemi urged world leaders to honour the Pope’s memory by recommitting to his vision of a more just and inclusive world.
“While we mourn his physical departure, we celebrate a life well-lived in service to God and humanity. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his powerful legacy continue to guide our collective journey toward a more compassionate global community,” the statement concluded.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 at 88.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who announced this, said the Pope died at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
