AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Bishop Francis Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Pope Francis, describing the late pontiff as a “global symbol of peace, unity and unwavering faith.”
In a solemn statement issued on Monday, Bishop Oke extended the condolences of the entire Pentecostal community in Nigeria to the Catholic Church worldwide.
According to the PFN President, the Pope’s death is not only a loss to the Catholic faithful but also to the global Christian body and humanity at large. “He stood for truth, love, and dialogue among faiths. The Pope was a bridge builder, a man who laboured tirelessly for a better, more compassionate world,” Bishop Oke said.
He noted that the Pope’s leadership transcended denominational lines, with his messages often speaking to the heart of all Christians, regardless of their doctrinal differences. “In him, we saw a shepherd who embraced the world with fatherly warmth, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of believers,” the PFN President added.
Bishop Oke recalled several of the late Pope’s initiatives aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue and global peace, including his outreach to Pentecostal leaders, which helped to ease decades of suspicion and theological tension between Catholic and Pentecostal movements.
He further praised the Pope’s humility, recalling how he chose to live simply and shun excessive opulence often associated with high religious office. “His lifestyle was a profound message in itself, and many of us across the divide took inspiration from his example,” he said.
The PFN, Bishop Oke announced, will be observing a day of prayer across its churches to honour the memory of the Pope and to pray for the Catholic Church as it navigates this moment of transition. “Our hearts are with our Catholic brothers and sisters at this time. We mourn with you and stand with you in faith,” he stated.
While acknowledging doctrinal differences between the two major Christian bodies, Bishop Oke emphasized the need for unity in moments of grief and reflection. “Now more than ever, we must remember that we are one in Christ. The world needs to see the Church united in love and mutual respect,” he urged.
He encouraged the Catholic faithful to take solace in the enduring impact of the Pope’s spiritual and moral leadership. “He ran his race with grace and finished strong. His legacy will continue to speak in churches, in homes, and in hearts across the world,” Bishop Oke concluded.
The PFN President also called on other Christian leaders, especially in Nigeria, to issue similar messages of solidarity to strengthen the bonds among the various denominations. “In this season of mourning, may the Church be a shining example of love, not division,” he appealed.
As tributes pour in from religious and political leaders across the globe, the PFN joins millions in celebrating a life lived in service to God and humanity, affirming that though the Pope has departed, his voice echoes still—in calls to peace, justice, and the undying hope of eternal life.
