Taraba's Governor Kefas becomes first Nigerian leader to pay tribute to late Pope Francis

GOVERNOR Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has become the first Nigerian leader to pay his condolences to Pope Francis following the recent death of the pontiff by commiserating with the Catholic community in his state.

Early this morning, Pope, Francis, 88, passed away succumbing to a lung illness that had kept him in hospital of late. Pope Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia and ended up spending 38 days there.

However, he emerged on Easter Sunday to make his last public appearance before his death, to bless thousands of people in St Peter’s Square and treat them to a surprise popemobile romp through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause. Before that public event, the pope had met briefly with US Vice President JD Vance.

This morning, however, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, read out a message which said: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church."

World leaders have begun giving tributes to the late pontiff,. with Governor Kefas becoming the first Nigerian leader to do so.  In a statement issued in Jalingo and signed by his spokesman Emmanuel Bello, Governor Kefas said the late pope was, in every way, a true servant of Christ and a man of the people.

Governor Kefas added: “I received the news of the demise of the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, this morning with a very heavy heart. Pope Francis was a great man of the people, a champion for peace who promoted inter-religious engagement.

“His death, sadly, comes at a time his strong voice against injustice and suppression is needed the most. He was a voice for peace, tolerance, and reconciliation. I sincerely commiserate with the Catholic community in our dear state, country and indeed, the world over this irreparable loss. May God rest his soul.”

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires on 17th December 1936, Pope Francis was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Now, the process of electing a new pope will begin and technically, every male of the world's 1.3bn Catholics is eligible for the office.