By Rev. Fr. Anthony Adetayo

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo; Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, discussed the legacy of Pope Francis during an interview on Arise News’ “News Night” program on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

Fr. Banjo emphasized the late Pope’s profound commitment to mercy and joy, stating that Pope Francis consistently taught that the Church is a place of mercy and that acceptance of the Gospel leads to joy. He highlighted the Pope’s Apostolic Exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel,” and noted the peaceful expression on the Pope’s face at his passing as noticed by a friend of his.

Fr. Banjo emphasized Pope Francis’s deep commitment to mercy and joy. He highlighted the Pope’s consistent teaching that the Church is a place of mercy, and that embracing the Gospel leads to joy. Fr. Banjo specifically mentioned the Pope’s Apostolic Exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel,” and noted the peaceful expression on the Pope’s face at the time of his passing.

The image of Pope Francis appearing to smile in death resonated deeply, a final testament to his joyful disposition. Fr. Banjo emphasized the Pope’s championing of inclusiveness, highlighting his profound care for the marginalized, prisoners, and the LGBTQ+ community. “For him, everyone is welcome in the house of God,” he asserted, underscoring the Pope’s commitment to breaking down barriers.  

A cornerstone of Pope Francis’ life was his unwavering commitment to simplicity. Fr. Banjo implored leaders to heed this example, urging them to curtail extravagant spending and prioritize the common good. “We should learn from his simplicity and his fundamental option for the poor,” he said. “His message of peace and unity is particularly relevant to Nigeria. The diverse gathering at his funeral, representing various faiths and walks of life, was a powerful symbol of this peace.”  

The question of the next Pope’s origin naturally arose. Fr. Banjo cautioned against speculation, reminding viewers that the Papacy is a vocation, a divine calling. “Positions in the Church are vocations,” he explained. “One may decide to be a priest but if God did not call you, you may not be a priest. Only Christ calls the person he deems fit for the position. The position of the Pope is also a vocation and the Pope is the successor of St. Peter. Just as Peter did not choose himself, we must have at the back of our mind that whether it’s going to be an African, European or Latin America. Only God knows who will be the next Pope”.

The interview served as a poignant reminder of the Pope’s enduring influence, not just within the Catholic Church, but on the world stage, especially in a nation like Nigeria seeking peace and unity. The message of simplicity and a leaning towards the poor, also resonated strongly with the Nigerian socio-economic climate. The call to peace and unity was timely for the nation.