By Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ofili
In line with the mandate given by the Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Odogwu Elue, Funeral Masses were celebrated for our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, in all the parishes in Issele-Uku Diocese, simultaneously at 4pm on Monday, 28th April, 2025. The event began with the continuous ringing of bells in all the parishes, from 3.45pm in honour of the Holy Father. The Mass at St. Paul Cathedral Issele-Uku was presided over by the Bishop.
In his homily at the Mass, the Bishop said that in the spirit of Easter, we gather to pray for the happy repose of the soul of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. We are strengthened by the certainty of our faith that human existence does not end in the tomb but finds fulfillment in our Father’s house, which is heaven. He recounted that following the illness of our Holy Father and his final call through death, we remember his last moments with deep affection. Prior to his illness on Easter Monday, he had expressed, on Easter Sunday, a heartfelt desire to see and bless the congregation — a truly unforgettable moment. He spoke briefly to the people and imparted his blessing in Latin, a gesture filled with solemnity and love. Today, as a Diocese, and united with the Church throughout the world, we offer our prayers, entrusting his soul to our loving and merciful Father in heaven, asking that He may grant him eternal rest in His kingdom.
Furthermore, he recalled that when Jesus asked St. Peter, “Do you love me?” and Peter affirmed his love. Jesus then instructed him, “Feed my lambs.” Just as Jesus reminded His disciples that He came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many, so too did our Holy Father embody this spirit of service. He emphasized that the fundamental role of Pope Francis was that of a servant to all — giving of himself and sacrificing everything for the sake of others, proclaiming the Gospel of mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. As St. Paul reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Pope Francis believed deeply in this mission, exemplified by his proclamation of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.
According to Bishop Elue, the Pope consistently taught that war leads only to death, evil, and the destruction of homes and lives. He tirelessly urged humanity to build bridges, not walls — a call he repeated often in his teachings and campaigns for peace, love, and mercy.
In conclusion, Bishop Elue reminded us that throughout his ministry, Pope Francis always ended his addresses with a humble request: “Do not forget to pray for me.” Today, part of what brings us together is to honour that request — to pray for him. At the same time, we also pray that he will not forget to intercede for us before God in His heavenly kingdom.
