The late Pope Benedict XVI, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had a favourable impact on individuals of all faiths throughout his lifetime.
This was said in the condolence letter from Nigeria's highest-ranking Christian organisation following the 95-year-old Pontiff's passing.
The late Pope was characterised as a man who addressed to people's hearts and minds with depth on a spiritual, cultural, and intellectual level in the statement released yesterday by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, president of the CAN.
The Catholic Pontiff was a great theologian whose life was the perfect example of balancing faith and reason, according to CAN, which expressed its sadness at his passing.
“And works in ways that positively influenced both Catholics and non-Catholics throughout the world.
“He had devoted his soul and intelligence to God for a more fraternal world,” it added.
The association said that it would be difficult to fill the shoes he left behind, especially his promotion of peace and goodwill throughout the world.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria prays that God Almighty will continue to raise theologians like the late Pontiff who are committed to the defence of the Christian faith.
“CAN extends its condolences to his relatives, the Vatican, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and the faithful in Nigeria and the rest of the world over this great loss.”