The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, died of stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, the Vatican said in a statement on Monday.

The pontiff’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from Catholics across the globe. From South Sudan to Argentina, Poland to the Philippines, the BBC reports from across five continents.

Pope Francis confirmed in his final testament – released by the Vatican recently, that he wished to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major and “without particular decoration”.

The statement read, “As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.

“Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

“I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.

“I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.

“The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.

“The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.

“May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.”

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has raised the alarm over escalating security challenges in the state, particularly with the start of the 2025 farming season, lamenting that the state is under siege by elements determined to displace the people and take over their ancestral homes.

The governor, who made this known while addressing worshippers at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi, called on citizens to remain alert and stand firm against those seeking to destabilise the state by reporting suspicious movements to security agencies.

Recall that the governor a few days ago visited Ukum and Logo local government areas of Benue State where attacks on the communities by armed bandits on Thursday, and early hours of Good Friday, left over 50 farmers dead with scores sustaining varying degrees of injuries. He appealed to the federal government to come to the aid of the state to end the attacks.

A statement by the principal special assistant to the governor on media and content creation, Isaac Uzaan, quoted the governor as expressing grave concern over the persistent attacks on the farming communities in the state, stating that the state is under siege by elements determined to displace the people and take over their lands.

“We are under siege as a state. Our people are under constant attack; those attacking us are not ghosts; they have faces, motives, and missions. They drag people out, they kill to occupy. It is completely unacceptable,” Governor Alia fumed.

He warned political actors who may be exploiting the crisis for personal or partisan gains to refrain from such actions, saying, “We have mechanisms in place to uncover those complicit in the destruction of our state.”

“I want to condemn all forms of criminality in the state, a terrorist is a terrorist regardless of his or her ethnicity or religion. Crime is crime. Anyone who commits it is a terrorist and should not be among the living,” he declared.

Governor Alia, however, encouraged the people of Benue to remain resilient, assuring them of his administration’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and order across the state.

Reflecting on the lessons of Easter, the governor described the death and resurrection of Christ as the ultimate example of selfless sacrifice, and he called on the people to pray for the repose of those recently killed, especially the innocent victims in the Ukum and Logo local government areas.

While insisting that everyone is responsible for security, the governor said, “If you see something, say something to enable the security agencies to move swiftly and stop these invaders.”

Chelsea have drawn up a three-man striker shortlist for the summer, according to The Athletic.

Multiple reports have suggested that Chelsea are interested in Napoli-owned striker Victor Osimhen but the Nigerian international was not mentioned in Athletic’s David Omstein’s list.

Ornstein reports that the Blues are keen on bolstering their attacking options after the season.

The Blues have missed multiple chances in the ongoing season due to lack of a prolific striker.

According Ornstein, Chelsea are looking at Liam Delap, Benjamin Sesko, and Hugo Ekitike.

The trio has scored 12, 20 and 21 goals across competitions this season, respectively.

Enzo Maresca’s side will face competition for the signature of all three strikers, with Delap being linked to Manchester United, Sesko with Arsenal, and Ekitike with Liverpool.

However, Chelsea will be confident they can sign at least one of the strikers ahead of the new season.

Chelsea’s highest goal scorer this season is Cole Palmer, who has scored 14 goals across competitions despite failing to find the back of the net in his last 13 games.

Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has slammed the chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Buba Galadima, referring to him as a failed politician with no base.

Ganduje was reacting to Galadima’s remark that he has no political values, adding that he is the APC National Chairman due to President Bola Tinubu’s influence.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Oliver Okpara, Ganduje said Galadima has no moral standing to question his political relevance.

Ganduje reminded Galadima that he successfully governed Kano State for eight years without interruption.

He described Galadima as “a failed politician with no political base.

“His statement clearly portrays him as a mischievous personality, politically.

“Ganduje is a well known, tested and trusted, result-orientated technocrat and politician of high repute who successfully led Kano for two uninterrupted terms.

“He is a man with infallible proof of performance across Kano and beyond.

“His developmental projects are still littered across Kano state, a testament of his unbroken connection with the people.

“Ganduje is a grassroots politician with results to show. Where are Galadima’s results?

“Galadima should know that the APC ship under the leadership of Dr Ganduje is sailing smoothly and the party has continued to wax stronger under him.

“The same cannot be said of Buba Galadima’s NNPP which has continued to suffer serious lacerations due to an intractable and untreatable factionalization.”

The 17-year-old who gained national attention during the 2023 elections for appearing in a viral photograph with Peter Obi’s campaign motorcade, Alabi Quadri, has shared the harrowing details of his detention at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Alabi recounted the moment that marked the beginning of his ordeal, his arrest by the police following an incident in his community.

Naija News reports that he revealed that the viral photo with Obi’s motorcade seemed to have made him a target for trouble, with some individuals threatening his family.

Quadri explained that he had no idea that a conflict had broken out in his area the day he was arrested. Returning home from his job as a motor boy, he was ambushed by local area boys, who handed him over to the police.

“Since the viral campaign picture surfaced, it seems like some people have been keeping a close watch on me.

“Someone even threatened my mum, saying that the money they had given me would be split in two, or else she wouldn’t see me again. They warned that they would kidnap me and take me somewhere she couldn’t even use the money,” he said, recalling the fear and confusion surrounding his sudden capture.

Upon reaching the police station, Alabi found himself locked in a cell with older men he didn’t know. He was later transferred to the notorious Kirikiri prison, where his nightmare deepened.

“At the station, they locked me up in a cell with people I didn’t know. They were older men I had never met before, and I was the youngest among them,” he recalled, his voice tinged with the pain of the experience.

He added, “In Kirikiri, my daily task was to clean up faeces from morning until six in the evening because I couldn’t afford to pay the marshall.”

The Lagos State Police Command had claimed that Alabi was arrested and remanded for alleged public disturbance and robbery.

However, his family and supporters have consistently maintained that his arrest was unjust, with many accusing the police of using him as a scapegoat.

After spending several months in detention, Alabi was finally released on April 17, 2025.

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 years old on April 21, 2025, leaves behind a legacy marked by compassion, humility, and a relentless pursuit of reform.

As the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, his passing not only marks the end of an influential papacy but also places him among the oldest popes in history.

Naija News highlights the ten oldest popes to have ever served, showcasing their enduring legacies and contributions to the Church.

1. Pope Leo XIII – Age: 93 years, 140 days: Reigned: 1878 – 1903

Pope Leo XIII remains the oldest pope to ever serve, living to the remarkable age of 93 years and 140 days. His papacy spanned 25 years, during which he was widely respected for his intellectual contributions and his efforts to bridge Catholic teachings with modern thought.

His leadership during a pivotal era in Church history solidified his status as one of the most influential popes of the modern age.

2. Pope Celestine III – Age: 92 years: Reigned: 1191 – 1198

Pope Celestine III, born Giacinto Bobone, was elected pope at 85 years old. Despite his wish to retire, he served for nearly seven years until his death at the age of 92.

His papacy was marked by attempts to mediate conflicts and his desire for resignation, which was not granted during his time as pope.

3. Pope Francis – Age: 88 years: Reigned: 2013 – 2025

Pope Francis, known for his focus on social justice and reform, led the Catholic Church from 2013 until his death in 2025.

As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope, he made significant contributions to the Church’s engagement with marginalized communities.

He passed away on April 21, 2025, a day after making a final public appearance at the Vatican.

4. Pope Gregory XII – Age: 88 years: Reigned: 1406 – 1415

Pope Gregory XII holds the distinction of being one of the few popes to voluntarily abdicate the papacy. He stepped down at 88 years old during the Western Schism to help restore unity in the Church. Despite his resignation, Gregory XII remains one of the oldest popes to have served.

5. Pope Clement XII – Age: 87 years, 305 days: Reigned: 1730 – 1740

Pope Clement XII was elected pope at 78 years old and served for a decade until his death at 87 years and 305 days. His papacy is remembered for his leadership in consolidating the Church’s finances and addressing various ecclesiastical matters.

6. Pope Clement X – Age: 86 years, 9 days: Reigned: 1670 – 1676

Pope Clement X, born Emilio Bonaventura Altieri, became pope at 79 and served for six years, passing away at 86 years and 9 days. His papacy reflected a deep reverence for tradition and a commitment to his faith, even as he advanced in age.

7. Pope Benedict XVI – Age: 85 years, 318 days: Reigned: 2005 – 2013 (Resigned)

Pope Benedict XVI made history when he resigned from the papacy in 2013 at 85, becoming one of the few popes to voluntarily step down.

His papacy, which began in 2005, was marked by his intellectual depth and commitment to maintaining traditional Catholic teachings. Benedict XVI passed away in 2022 at the age of 95.

8. Pope Pius IX – Age: 85 years, 107 days: Reigned: 1846 – 1878

Pope Pius IX holds the record for the longest papacy, serving for nearly 32 years. During his tenure, he faced significant challenges, including the loss of the Papal States and the declaration of papal infallibility. He passed away at 85 years and 107 days in 1878.

9. Pope Innocent XII – Age: 85 years, 107 days: Reigned: 1691 – 1700

Pope Innocent XII was elected to the papacy at the age of 75 and served until his death at 85 years and 107 days in 1700. His papacy was defined by his commitment to reforming the Church and eliminating nepotism, a persistent issue during his time.

10. Pope Lucius III – Age: 85 years: Reigned: 1181 – 1185

Pope Lucius III, born Ubaldo Allucingoli, assumed the papacy at the age of 81. Despite his advanced age, he served the Church during a time of great political and religious turmoil, including tensions with the Holy Roman Emperor. He passed away at 85 in 1185.

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Trade and Export, Shimite Winifred Bello, has passed away.

The renowned Trade and Economic expert allegedly died as a result of domestic violence.

Human rights activist and Delta State Governor’s aide, Harrison Gwamnishu, confirmed the sad news in a Facebook post on Monday, April 21, 2025.

Another Delta human rights activist, Comrade Victor Ojie, popularly known as Wong Box, also confirmed the development.

“Marriage is not by force oh. It’s better to lose your marriage than to lose your life oh,” Ojie wrote.

Shimite’s aide, Tameta Sunday, also confirmed her death, alleging that Shimite’s husband killed her.

“It’s very difficult to type RIP boss, knowing fully well an ugly soul called pastor with a gentle look as a husband cut all the positive plans we had together,” his post partly reads.

Late Shimitte was the Coordinator of the Delta State UNIDO Centre.

She was the focal person for the implementation of the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme in Delta State.

She produced and presented “African Pot”, a TV documentary that promoted traditional African cuisine, tourism and culture.

The deceased was a member of the Steering Committee of USAID/NEXTT (Nigerian Expanded Trade and Transport) – Lakaji Trade Corridor.

She was a member of the Board of Directors of FESECA – Foundation for Economic Change in Africa.

She served as Contributing Editor on Travel and Tourism with Daily Trust, Leadership and others.

Meanwhile, reactions have trailed her death with many advising women to walk out of abusive marriages.