By Ononye VC
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN),the highest administrative authority of the Catholic Church in Nigeria has joined the rest of the global community in mourning the death of Pope Francis and also bidding him farewell.
In a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria Rev Fr Michael A. Banjo on behalf of the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji,the Secretariat said the passing of the Holy Father was not without spiritual significance during the Easter season,when the church proclaimed with joy,the victory of Christ over death.
According to the statement,”His return to the Lord in this sacred season offers us a consoling reminder of the Christian hope in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life”.
The statement traced the early life of late Pope Francis saying he was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 and served the church with humility,courage,and with a deep love for the poor and excluded.
The statement further pointed out that Pope Francis’s pontificate was marked by a strong emphasis on mercy,justice and care for creation.
“He was a tireless advocate for migrants and refugees,promoted a more synodal Church rooted in listening and shared responsibility,and called for a culture of kindness and human fraternity”.The statement also said Pope Francis advanced interreligious dialogue,fostering peace and mutual understanding among peoples of different faiths.
The statement urged diocesan Bishops to organize Eucharist celebrations for the soul of Pope Francis as all Catholics were requested to pray for thesame intentions during the Divine Mercy devotion at 3:00 O’clock.
