Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s House of Mercy – Bishop Daboh

By Olivia Obijiaku

During the Mass for the happy repose of the soul of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, at Christ the King Catholic Cathedral (CKCC), Sabon Gari Zaria, Friday, April 25, 2025, the Catholic Bishop of Zaria, Most Rev Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh affirmed that the late pontiff has gone back to the Kingdom of God – the merciful Father.
The bishop extolled the Pope’s legacy of compassion, noting that his papacy was decorated with mercy – right from the beginning, despite the debates, criticisms and resistance that greeted some of his words and actions.
“His, we all know was a pontificate of mercy.” His Lordship affirmed. “From the very first moment he stepped onto the loggia of St Peter Basilica after his election, on the 13th of March 2013, he simply and humbly said, “Buona sera.” He then waved at the thousands of people who were at the St Peter’s Square.”
“From that moment, there was a spark of humility in his voice and many people concluded that he was going to be a caring, simple, humble and merciful Pope. Today we can testify that he was really a humble and merciful Pope. For him mercy was not a strategy, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
In his tribute to the departed, the local ordinary expressed, “Our dear Pope Francis, you taught us that joy is the most convincing sign of the Gospel. You taught us that mercy is not weakness and that the Church is never more beautiful than when she walks with the poor. For you, Pope Francis, the most important thing is the mercy of God.”
“You have now returned to the Father’s House – the House of Mercy and the House you so often preached about. We entrust your soul to the Lord with the hope that you will hear those long awaited words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your Master. May your soul rest in peace, Papa Francesco.’
Bishop Daboh prayed that the exemplary life of the Holy Father may continue to inspire the Church to be a religious institution that heals, welcomes, listens and serves, rather than one that hurts, rejects, disregards and waits to be served.