By Nna Anulumadu
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, last Sunday, described the late Pontiff, Pope Francis, as a Vicar of Christ who lived a saintly life.
In tribute to the late Pope, Barr. Ezeokenwa said, “We receive with immense grief and sadness the news of the transition to eternal glory of the Supreme Pope, Vicar of Christ on earth, His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday.
“What was striking about his demise was that he made a brief appearance on Easter Sunday, as if he had a premonition of his death. He chose Easter Sunday, the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the hallmark of salvation for mankind, to bid farewell to the Catholic faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, Rome.
“Pope Francis lived up to 88 years, which is not easy. We thank God for his life, which was a life of impact from the time he was appointed Pope. He chose to follow Christ, and anyone who followed his life and times will bear witness that he lived a saintly life worthy of emulation.
“The death of the Pope is a profound loss to the entire Church, as it means the Church is without a leader. Soon, the Cardinals below the age of 80 will enter the conclave to elect a new Pope. We pray for the Church and for the Holy Spirit to guide the selection of a new Pope.
“We pray for the peaceful repose of his soul, that God, whom he faithfully served, will receive him in His Kingdom. Last Saturday, the Church and world leaders united and gathered in a solemn ceremony for his burial rites, which shows that the world understood and appreciated the role he played in promoting world peace.
“We continue to pray for him and for the repose of his soul. We pray that the Holy Spirit will lead the Church in electing another Pope who will continue from where he stopped.
“My condolences go to the Church all over the world, especially to the Dean of the College of Cardinals, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, and the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke. May they accept this as a call from God for His servant to join Him.
“My final prayer is that soon, very soon, considering the kind of life he lived, we will see the miracle that will bring about his beatification and canonization as a Saint.”
