Nigeria’s Catholic bishops have expressed condolences following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, urging national unity and moral reflection during what they described as a time of solemn loss.
In a letter dated 14 July 2025 and signed by Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), the clerics extended sympathies to President Bola Tinubu, the bereaved family, and the wider Nigerian public.
“We commiserate with His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, the family of our late former President, and all Nigerians on this painful loss,” the bishops wrote. “We entrust his soul to God’s infinite mercy and pray for divine comfort.”
The CBCN highlighted the late president’s passing as a poignant reminder of life’s impermanence, urging the nation—especially its leaders—to embrace humility, justice, and public-spiritedness.
“This period of national mourning invites us to reflect on the brevity of life and the enduring value of honest leadership and service,” the letter stated. “Let it strengthen our resolve to work towards the common good.”
In their concluding remarks, the bishops prayed for Nigeria’s healing and future, asking for divine peace and guidance for the country’s leadership.
“May God grant our nation peace that endures, wisdom for our leaders, and prosperity for all citizens as we face this loss together,” they said.
Former President Buhari died on 13 July 2025 at a London medical facility and was laid to rest in his home state of Katsina in accordance with Islamic rites.
