President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Pope Francis as he turns 80 today. The president, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said he joined the Roman Catholic Church in particular, and Christendom in general, in celebrating this milestone in the life of the Pontiff, who has shown uncommon humility, generosity and love for humanity. Buhari said he “believes Pope Francis has lived, preached and demonstrated the tenets of the Christian faith like Saint Francis of Assisi, who influenced the world around him by caring for the weak, the poor and helpless.” The president said that the teachings of His Holiness on peace, love and tolerance in a world embroiled in conflicts would not be lost on leaders, and would continue to resonate through many generations.
