President Muhammadu Buhari sent his condolences to Pope Francis, the Catholic Church in Nigeria and around the world, as well as all Christian faithful mourning the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
His condolence message was written in a statement by his media aide, Mr Femi Adesina on Saturday in Abuja, as he paid tribute to Benedict XVI who was greatly admired globally for his selfless leadership and renowned learning as a theologian as well as his dedication to advance inter-faith dialogue and peace.
According to Buhari, the late Pontiff will be remembered as a true servant of God.He noted the late religious leader had used the benevolent gifts of the Almighty upon his life to serve the Church and humanity in humility, reverence and piety, living in word and deed the virtues of a true Christian disciple. 
The president prayed that the Pope Emeritus received eternal embrace in the loving arms of the Lord, whom he served faithfully throughout his vocation.
Pope Benedict XVI ,aged 95, passed away almost a decade after he stood down because of ailing health.
He led the Catholic Church for fewer than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican where he passed away at 09:34 (08:34 GMT) on Saturday.
