By CSN Media
Staff of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) and the worshipping community of the St. Gabriel Chaplaincy at the CSN gathered on Wednesday, 30 April, 2025, to pay tribute to the late Pope Francis.
In his homily at the Requiem Mass, the Secretary General of CSN, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, emphasized Pope Francis’s humility and mercy, saying, “Pope Francis reminded us that there is no sin so great that God cannot forgive, and no soul so lost that it cannot be found.” He added that the Pope’s life was a testament to the power of sacrificial service and compassion for the weak.
The CSN Secretary General also highlighted Pope Francis’ commitment to serving the poor and marginalized. He noted that the Pope “consistently chose modesty over grandeur” and “celebrated his birthdays, not with dignitaries, but with the homeless and the forgotten, sharing meals with them.”
Rev. Fr. Banjo urged the CSN community to emulate Pope Francis’ example, saying, “Let us cut down on waste and think more of the suffering. Let us do away with opulent lifestyles and instead seek to uplift the millions of Nigerians who are living in abject poverty.” He encouraged the faithful to honor Pope Francis by doing something concrete for the poor, adding, “You can set aside some of your income for this purpose.”
The homily also touched on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. Rev. Fr. Banjo said, “If there is anyone against whom you hold a grudge, anyone with whom you are falling out, reach out to that person and seek reconciliation.” He emphasized that “no act of humility for peace is ever too small and no heart is beyond healing.”
Presenting tributes on behalf of the CSN community, the Director of Church and Society and Executive Secretary/CEO Caritas Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Peter Babangida, described Pope Francis as “a mentor and a father” who embodied the essence of their mission.
Rev. Fr. Babangida added, “He taught us that our work, our lives, must be rooted in love. He showed us, by example, that love should inspire us, guide us, and be the very foundation of all that we do.” He noted that Pope Francis’ legacy would continue to inspire the CSN community to serve the poor, protect the planet, and advocate for peace with courage and compassion.
Similarly, the National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), Rev. Fr. Solomon Patrick Zaku, described Pope Francis as “a great missionary and witness of Christ.” He praised the Pope’s humility, simplicity, love for the poor, social justice, missionary zeal, and true witnessing.
The Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of St. Gabriel Chaplaincy, CSN, also paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying, “You brought a breath of fresh air to the Catholic Church. With humility as your hallmark and compassion as your compass, you reawakened the Church’s mission to serve the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten.”
On their part, the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of the Chaplaincy described Pope Francis as “a humble shepherd, a tireless advocate for the poor, and a voice of conscience in our troubled world.” They added that his leadership challenged structures of indifference and awakened a spirit of solidarity, dialogue, and peace in both Church and society.
Lady Inih, who also presented a special tribute to the deceased Holy Father, described Pope Francis, as the People’s Pope, Pope of the vulnerable, and Pope of the children. She added that the Pope was a great devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and prayed for the happy repose of his soul.
The Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) of the CSN Chaplaincy prayed that the legacies of Pope Francis would inspire all to live with compassion, humility, and love for one another, “may his soul be at peace in the presence of God,” they added.
