The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria have commiserated with the Nigerian Catholic community in particular and the entire Christendom in general on the glorious transition of Pope Francis. The pontiff passed away on Monday, April 21 at the age of 88. He became the Pope in 2013.

In a letter of condolences addressed to the President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the NSCIA described the late Pope as a “a humane, humble and fear-minded servant of the Almighty. The fact that the last public pronouncement of the late Pope called for a ceasefire in the war against the people of Gaza and the Palestinians is a testament to the late Pope’s commitment to a just and equitable world.

“In memory of the late Pope, renowned for peace and harmony, we seize this sober moment to renew the commitment of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs to dialogue, peace and understanding among all faith traditions, both locally and globally.”

In the letter signed by the Deputy National Legal Adviser, NSCIA, Imam Haroun Muhammad Eze, the Muslim body prayed to the Almighty to “comfort the Catholic community and guide them towards the election of an equally equitable and just leader.”

Similarly, the MPAC’s message titled: A Tribute to Pope Francis, eulogized the late Pontiff’s profile as a vocal critic of injustice and oppression with emphasis on his consistent criticism of the Israeli war in Gaza. “In his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, a day before his death, he gave a message through an aide urging a ceasefire in Gaza and describing the humanitarian situation as deplorable.” This consistency, MPAC asserted, “highlighted the suffering of the Palestinian people and brought international attention to their plight. His leadership and advocacy for peace and justice will be deeply missed.”

The Muslim advocacy group also recalled Pope Francis’s reaction, in December 2024, after an Israeli strike on Jabalia killed seven children, saying: “This is cruelty, this is not war.” This remark, MPAC said, had become the deceased’s legacy, serving as “a reminder of the importance of religious leaders and icons to stand up for human rights and dignity of all peoples.”

MPAC’s letter signed by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor concluded with the prayer that the late Pontiff’s legacy should continue to inspire humanity to work towards a more just and peaceful world.