The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states and Abuja has mourned the passing of Pope Francis, describing him as a spiritual father and global voice of conscience.
In a press statement signed by Rev. Dr Yakubu Pam, Chairman of Northern CAN, on Monday, the organisation called on Nigerians to reflect on the country’s moral direction and the need for national rebirth.
“Pope Francis lived out this calling through his relentless pursuit of compassion for the poor, dialogue among nations, and reconciliation among peoples.
“His passing during this season invites us as a nation to pause and reflect on our moral direction and the need for national rebirth,” Pam said.
The statement noted that the timing of Pope Francis’ passing during the Easter season is profoundly symbolic, calling for renewal and a new dawn for Nigeria.
“Easter is a season of renewal—a call to rise above pain and darkness into a new dawn,” he said.
CAN also condemned the ongoing insecurity, violence, and terrorism in several states, including Plateau, Benue, and Borno.
“The bloodshed, displacement, and destruction of communities are not just tragic—they are unacceptable,” Pam said. “We must not allow these challenges to become a new normal.”
The Christian organisation called on the federal government, state governors, security agencies, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to renew their commitment to protecting lives and restoring peace across Nigeria.
“The urgency of the situation demands unified action, genuine political will, and a return to justice and accountability at all levels of leadership,” Pam said.
CAN emphasised the need for unity among Christians, Muslims, and people of all faiths and backgrounds to heal the nation and restore the dignity of every Nigerian citizen.
“Let the memory and legacy of Pope Francis inspire us to reject indifference and apathy. Let us rise together—Christians, Muslims, and people of all faiths and backgrounds—to heal our land and restore the dignity of every Nigerian citizen,” Pam said.
The statement concluded by praying for the Catholic Church, the global Christian family, and Nigeria, and calling for a new determination to build a just, secure, and united Nigeria.
“May the passing of this great servant of God awaken in us a new determination to build a just, secure, and united Nigeria,” Pam said.
THE WHISTLER reports that only recently, a crisis engulfed the association over tenure elongation.
At the centre of the crisis is the tenure of Rev. Yakubu Pam, whose term as chairman allegedly expired over two years ago.
The crisis took a turn for the worse when Rev. Hayab’s group conducted an election, appointing him as the new chairman, while Rev. Pam’s faction has denounced the move, describing it as a “religious coup” and “fraudulent”.
Northern CAN Mourns Pope Francis, Calls For National Rebirth is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
