Pope’s death during Easter spiritually significant – CSN

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) says the death of Pope Francis during Easter has spiritual significance.

Pope Francis (1936-2025) died on Easter Monday at 7.35 a.m.

The secretariat made the assertion in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, in Ibadan.

The statement was entitled, “Farewell to Pope Francis: A Life of Service; A death in the Glory of Easter”.

According to the secretariat, the Pope’s  death occurred when the church proclaimed with joy, the victory of Jesus Christ over death.

It stated that the Pope’s return to the Lord during Easter offered the church consolation and reminded it of Christians’ hope of resurrection and eternal life.

“Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, served the church with humility, courage and deep love for the poor and the excluded.

“Elected on March 13, 2013, his pontificate was marked by a strong emphasis on mercy, justice and care for creation.

“He was a tireless advocate for migrants and refugees, promoted a more synodal church rooted in listening and shared responsibility, and called for a culture of kindness and human fraternity.

“He also advanced inter-religious dialogue, fostering peace and mutual understanding among peoples of different faiths,” it stated.

The secretariat urged bishops to organise diocesan eucharistic celebrations for the repose of the Pope’s soul.

It added that all Catholics should pray for the same purpose during divine mercy devotion.

“We are reminded that during this period of interregnum, the part on the Pope at the eucharistic prayer, is omitted.

“May the soul of Pope Francis and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,” it added.