The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council on Sunday mourned the death of former Catholic pope emeritus Benedict XVI, saying his passion for humanity resonated within the Church and among people of all faiths.
The Vatican through its spokesman, Matteo Bruni, had announced the death of the 95-year-old pontiff on New Year’s Eve.
Remember that Pope Francis alerted the world to his failing health on Wednesday when he asked for prayers on his behalf.
Reacting to his passing, APC Presidential Campaign Council Director General Dr. Simon Lalong described him as a servant of God who lived and preached the Gospel with conviction.
The statement read: “On behalf of the President, the APC Presidential Campaign Council, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Ret), GCFR, Presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima, and The entire PCC leadership, I join the Catholic faithful in Nigeria and around the world in expressing our deepest condolences on the passing of former Pope Benedict XVI.
“The late Pope Emeritus was a servant of God who lived and preached the counsel of God with love and conviction. He opened his arms to the world in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly through his deep concern for the hurting and oppressed throughout the world.
“His passion for humanity resonated through his persistent call for tolerance, dialogue, peaceful coexistence and the defense of human rights within the Church and among people of all faiths.
“We sympathize with His Holiness Pope Francis, the Conference of Catholic Bishops and the entire Christian community for this loss and we pray that the Lord grant his soul eternal rest.”
