Mr Joe Onuakalusi, member representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II, in the House of Representatives, has described the late Pope Francis as a moral compass for humanity.
This is contained in a statement by the lawmaker, issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to Onuakalusi, the late pontiff was a symbol of hope and compassion in an increasingly divided world.
He said the Pope’s death, which occurred on Easter Monday, a day revered in Christianity for the resurrection of Christ, resonated deep spiritual symbolism that marked the end of an era in the Catholic Church.
“Pope Francis was not just a spiritual leader to over 1.3 billion Catholics around the world, he was also a global voice for justice, peace and compassion.
“His teachings and actions transcended religious boundaries. He stood with the poor, gave a voice to the voiceless and reminded the world of the importance of kindness and mercy,” he said.
Onuakalusi noted that his constituents in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, who were devout Catholics, deeply admired Pope Francis’ values and found inspiration in his messages of peace and inclusivity.
According to him, His Holiness brought the church closer to the people.
Onuakalusi explained that the late Pope challenged inequality, called for unity among nations and pushed for interfaith dialogue in a way that few religious leaders had done in modern history.
He recalled the Pope’s major encyclicals, Laudato Si’, which focused on environmental responsibility, and Fratelli Tutti, which emphasised human fraternity, as some of his most impactful legacies.
Onuakalusi extended his heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church, the Vatican and Catholics around the world.
He prayed that the church would find strength and unity in this moment of grief and that Pope Francis’ legacy would continue to guide the faithful and inspire future generations.
“May the soul of Pope Francis find eternal rest and may his memory continue to challenge each of us to build a more loving, inclusive and compassionate world,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to assume the Papacy.
Known for his simple lifestyle, progressive views on social issues and bold stance on climate change, he led the Catholic Church through a time of great change and global challenge.
The Vatican had yet to announce details of the funeral arrangements. (NAN)
