Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops Pay Tribute To Late Pope Francis

President of the Catholic Bishops Convention of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, emphasising his function as a pacesetter in ecumenism and interfaith dialogue.

Ugorji said, “The late Pontiff fostered larger understanding and cooperation amongst Christian denominations, selling a tradition of dialogue and mutual respect.”

He famous Francis’ tireless advocacy for the marginalised, stressing the importance of addressing poverty and social justice.

“Pope Francis carried out vital reforms inside the Church, together with necessary adjustments to liturgical texts and the institution of recent Vatican departments,” Ugorji mentioned.

He acknowledged Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’,” noting it emphasised pressing environmental wants and impressed international discussions on local weather motion.

“All through his papacy, Pope Francis was revered for his humility and compassion. His legacy will undoubtedly proceed to encourage hundreds of thousands all over the world,” he mentioned.

He additionally mentioned that the Pope’s funeral would comply with the up to date liturgical funeral rites, authorized in April 2024, expressing the late pontiff’s want for a extra austere and faith-centered celebration.

Ugorji urged all Catholics and folks of goodwill to wish for the repose of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church throughout this transition.

The Vatican introduced the demise of Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at roughly 7:35 AM at his residence within the Casa Santa Marta. This concluded a preach that started on March 13, 2013, following his election to succeed Pope Benedict XVI.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, as he was born, selected the identify Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.