Pope Francis: ‘A shepherd of the most vulnerable, a voice for unity compassion’ – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has joined global leaders and the Christian faithful in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, describing the late pontiff as “a shepherd of the most vulnerable” and “a bridge of compassion in a time of division.”

In a heartfelt statement released on Monday, Atiku paid tribute to the 88-year-old pope, who passed away just a day after delivering his Easter Sunday blessing at the Vatican. 

His death marks the end of a historic and reform-driven papacy that began in 2013 and was defined by humility, moral courage, and outspoken advocacy for the poor and marginalized.

“The departure of Pope Francis marks the end of an era,” Atiku said, “defined by humility, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to the service of humanity.”

Atiku described the late pontiff as a spiritual trailblazer who “dared to walk where no one has gone,” recalling how he led the Catholic Church through a period of global turbulence with messages of unity, inclusion, and mercy.

“Pope Francis was a Pontiff who walked among the people, whose voice echoed the cries of the poor, and whose hands reached toward those cast aside by the world,” he said. 

“His papacy was a bridge of compassion in a time of division, a balm of grace in a wounded world.”

The former Vice President also pointed to the symbolism of the pope’s death occurring so soon after Easter Sunday, calling it “a solemn and divine punctuation” to a life spent in service to others. 

“It reminds us that even as the earthly journey ends, a new and glorious dawn awaits those who have lived for others,” he added.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit pope and the first from Latin America. His pontificate was notable for a shift in tone and focus, emphasizing mercy over judgment, service over power, and inclusion over exclusion.

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Atiku’s tribute touched on the pope’s advocacy in the areas of global inequality, economic injustice, and environmental degradation – issues that resonated especially across the Global South, describing the pope as someone whose life embodied a tireless commitment to creating a better and more united world.

“To Catholics in Nigeria and beyond, and to the Christian community worldwide, I share in your sorrow and stand with you in prayer,” Atiku said.

He concluded by expressing hope that Pope Francis’ legacy would continue to inspire compassion, unity, and peace among people of all faiths: “May the memory of Pope Francis continue to inspire us toward unity, compassion, and peace. And may his soul, now freed from the burdens of this world, find eternal rest in the presence of the Almighty.”

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