Bishop Chidi Anthony mourns late Pope Francis death, described as a loss to Global Christian

The President of Pentecostal Ministers Forum of Nigeria PMF, Bishop Bishop Chidi Anthony has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Pope Francis, describing the late pontiff as a “global symbol of peace, unity and unwavering faith.”

In a solemn statement issued on Tuesday, Bishop Anthony extended the condolences of the entire Pentecostal community in Nigeria to the Catholic Church worldwide.

According to the PMF 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,”

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,”

Bishop Anthony 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.

While acknowledging doctrinal differences between the two major Christian bodies, Bishop Anthony 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 Anthony concluded.