Worship
Pope Francis is dead; His real name, others revealed
Pope Francis assumed the papacy in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was known for his action on climate change and being critical of consumerism
Beloved Pope Francis has died after spending his entire life “dedicated to the service to the Church”, the Vatican has confirmed.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the sad news the Pope passed away at around 7.30am. The 88-year-old was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome for treatment for bronchitis on February 14, after he had difficulties breathing during one of his meetings.
As a result of his hospitalisation, the pontiff’s events were subsequently cancelled. Since he was taken to the hospital, the Vatican released regular updates on his condition.
Cardinal Ferrell said in a statement. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
Pope Francis, whose birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. At high school, he earned a chemical technician’s diploma before entering the Jesuit novitiate in March 1958.
He became a Catholic priest in 1969. Four years later, he was appointed superior of the Jesuit province of Argentina. In 1992, Pope John Paul II – who was pope from 1978 until his death in 2005 – named him an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires and then in 1997, he was promoted to coadjutor archbishop. He became head of the archdiocese in 1998 and three years later, Pope John Paul II named him to the College of Cardinals.
On March 13, 2013, he became pope at the age of 76, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, the first pope in 600 years to resign from office. In his February 2013 announcement, Pope Benedict, who was 85, said the modern world was changing so quickly and profoundly that someone of his age and era was “no longer suited” to the papacy.
Bergoglio – the first Jesuit pope and the first to take the name Francis – was considered a modern pope, as he advocated for progressive issues and worked to reform the Catholic Church. Some of the issues he had at heart and addressed in his role as Pontiff included climate change, human rights, immigration, modern slavery and LGBTQ+ rights.
He travelled widely across the world, mostly to areas where there are few Catholics and they feel marginalised. His first trip outside of Rome was to the Italian island of Lampedusa, off the coast of Tunisia, which is considered the gateway to Europe for hundreds of thousands of migrants making the perilous sea crossing on the Mediterranean Sea. During his visit, Francis attacked what he described as the “globalisation of indifference” that leads to tragedies like the deaths of refugees who perish while seeking a better future.
The Pope also promoted outreach to other religions and pushed for the Church to improve its dialogue with Islam. He said: “Sincere and respectful dialogue between Christians and Muslims is a duty for us who want to obey the will of God.”
With his critique of capitalism and his staunch environmentalism, Francis angered many conservatives inside and outside the Catholic Church. During a visit to Bolivia in 2015, he gave a speech saying that behind the harm being done to the environment is what he called the “dung of the devil, the unfettered pursuit of money”. The Pope said: “Once capital becomes an idol and guides people’s decisions, once greed for money presides over the entire socio-economic system, it ruins society, it sets people against one another, it even puts at risk our common home, our sister mother Earth.”
While visiting Mexico, he famously prayed at the US border. On his flight back to Rome, the Pope was asked about Donald Trump’s position to build a wall along the border and replied: “A person who only builds walls and not bridges is not Christian.”
Francis also called for the Catholic Church to implement a more welcoming approach to divorced people, saying they may be able to receive communion in certain circumstances. Part of his legacy will undoubtedly remain his approach towards the LGBTQ+ community.
When asked about gay priests during a spontaneous exchange with the press, he replied: “If they [gay priests] accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalised. The tendency [same-sex attraction] is not the problem… they’re our brothers.”
In 2023, the Pope formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, a radical shift in policy that aimed at making the Church more inclusive while maintaining its strict ban on gay marriage. Sharing his support for civil unions, Francis said: “I support civil unions. Homosexual people have the right to a family.” He added: “They are children of God and have the right to a family. No one should be ousted or made miserable because of this.”
Before his health took a turn for the worse, Pope Francis issued a rebuke of US Vice President JD Vance’s characterisation of Ordo Amoris – a theological concept relating to love used by Vance to justify Trump’s migrant policy, including mass deportations. His pushback caused fury from the White House, raising the prospect of a highly politicised succession battle following the Pope’s death.
Pope Francis also sent a message of support to Ukraine from his hospital bed, as he delivered his regular Sunday message. In the message, shared by The Vatican, he also thanked his doctors for their care and well-wishers for their prayers. And in a poignant reference to Ukraine following US President Donald Trump ’s bust-up with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in The Oval office, the Holy Father said: “From here, war appears even more absurd,” he said, adding: “Let us pray for tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and Kivu.”
Founder of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Bishop David Abioye, has joined the growing debate on whether there is Christian genocide in the country, stating that the facts on the ground about killings of Christians can’t be thwarted.
Abioye, a former Bishop in Winners Chapel who started his church early in the year, noted in a message posted on social media that there is a lot of misinformation about the purported killings going on in the north..
He said, “There is a lot of distortion going on, people claiming there is no genocide of Christians in the nation. Information with facts can never be thwarted. You see people buried in hundreds, and you say there is no genocide. What a wicked set of people.”
While agreeing that people are being killed in other places in the country, he said the situation in the north is obvious.. “And gradually it is eating down to the southwest and southeast. And many so-called leaders, for their own personal interests, claim it is not true, selling out their faith if they have one at all.
Alluding to Jesus’ statement, he said, “Jesus said When I come, will I find faith”
Abioye, who was livid with anger while delivering the message, later led the people to pray for Christians in the north, saying, “Father, strengthen the brethren. Strengthen their faith.”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has declared spiritual independence from the Church of England, rejecting the appointment of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Church said her support for same-sex marriage and her elevation as the first female to hold the position signify a troubling moral decline within the leadership of the Anglican Communion.
In a statement signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, the Church described the announcement made on Friday, October 3, 2025, as ‘devastating’ and ‘insensitive’, accusing the Church of England of ignoring the deep divisions already facing the global Anglican community.
“This election is a double jeopardy. First, it disregards the conviction of the majority of Anglicans who cannot accept female headship in the episcopate; and second, it is more disturbing that Bishop Sarah Mullally is a strong supporter of same-sex marriage,” the statement said.
The statement recalled Bishop Mullally’s 2023 remarks following a vote by the Church of England to approve blessings for same-sex couples, in which she described the outcome as ‘a moment of hope’ for the Church.
The Nigerian Church said such views deepen the wounds already tearing at the unity of the Anglican Communion.
“It remains to be seen how the same person hopes to mend the already torn fabric of the Anglican Communion by the contentious same-sex marriage, which has caused enormous crisis across the Communion for over two decades,” the Church said.
Describing the development as proof that the global Anglican family could no longer accept the leadership of the Church of England and that of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Church of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) and its principles.
“On our part, as a member of the GAFCON family, the Church of Nigeria affirms the GAFCON position unreservedly and reaffirms our earlier stance to uphold the authority of the Scriptures, our historic creeds, evangelism and holy Christian living, irrespective of the ongoing revisionist agenda,” the statement added.
The Church urged conservative Anglicans in England and elsewhere to remain steadfast in defending biblical truth and resisting ‘ungodly’ teachings that compromise the Christian faith.
“We encourage all faithful brothers and sisters in the Church of England who have consistently rejected the aberration called same-sex marriage and other ungodly teachings by contending for the faith that was once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3),” the statement added.
Recently, many members of prominent Nigerian churches have expressed concerns about the leadership of their General Overseers, particularly regarding what will happen after their leaders pass away.
One of the most notable figures in this conversation is Bishop David Oyedepo, the leader of the Living Faith Church (also known as Winners’ Chapel). Click link to continue reading.
In a video that has been circulating widely on social media, Bishop Oyedepo passionately emphasized the importance of church members familiarizing themselves with the origins and foundational principles of their ministry.
He conveyed a vital message to his followers: that understanding the roots of the church is essential for reinforcing their commitment and support.
According to Bishop Oyedepo, the ministry was divinely entrusted to him by God and is not meant to be passed on to others.
He asserted that he received a clear mandate directly from the Almighty, making it clear that every direction the ministry takes is based on inspired messages he has received.
His words:
“God spoke to me in person. Everything till date, God spoke to me. Nobody met me here, I mean I didn’t meet anybody here. The things I say to you are the truth and nothing but the truth. And they are written down not today. Nothing here came through a group discussion. This ministry has no co-founder o!” Bishop Oyedepo said the first person to hear about the ministry’s mandate was his wife.
The video was posted on X by @AsakyGRN.
Reactions to Bishop Oyedepo’s sermon
@Ihunanya_chi said: “If you die in sin, there is no second chance, no opportunity for repentance, and no forgiveness, your judgment is final. But while you are still alive, you have the chance to turn to God. His grace is more than enough to cover your sins if you repent today.
@bobotically said:
“Same church that had made it difficult for even its own members to attend their university due to high increase in school fees? In the end religion is just the opium of the masses.”
@Royal_Citizens said:
“God didn’t tell you to buy an aircraft, if you felt it was needed so be it. Saying God told you when He didn’t is something else entirely.”
@lebastin said:
“Even the donkey Jesus Christ rode on was not his own, so God no fit tell him own begotten son to buy donkey, but he told you to buy an aircraft in the midst of poverty, na wa o, all dis god of men no wan gree o.”
@realomoyelefemi said:
“My question is this, Do you still have the Executive Council today that oversees you?”
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has articulated a profound commentary on the dynamics of political power in Nigeria, expressing concern over the lengths to which politicians will go, including soliciting and even bribing voters, to secure electoral support.
In a recent sermon, Adeboye illustrated the stark disparity between leadership and the general populace, comparing the scenario to individuals at the base of a mountain consuming water that has already been utilized by those at its summit. He emphasized that the privileges associated with political positions elucidate why individuals in pursuit of power often resort to extreme measures to attain it.
“People will drink from the water that the one on top of the mountain had washed into,” Adeboye said. “I’m sure we are not so naive as not to know why people who want to be our rulers come begging us and at times trying to even pay us to vote for them to be presidents and Governors.”
According to the cleric, the allure of political office lies in the elevated status and privileges it offers. Once elected, leaders enjoy exclusive rights and protection that place them above the very citizens who entrusted them with power.
“The moment you become president, shall we say, or governor—hey, when you want to pass, they will close the road for you until you have gone,” Adeboye explained. “Those of us who voted for you, we have to wait.”
He further criticized the double standards in access to basic amenities, noting that power outages and other public failures hardly affect those in authority. “We all know—you don’t have to be told—that if they say there is power failure, it’s not installed in the homes of those at the top,” he remarked.
Adeboye’s message underscored his recurring emphasis on humility and service in leadership. He warned that the pursuit of political office should not be about personal gain but about responsibility and sacrifice. His remarks resonate at a time when Nigerians continue to express frustration over corruption, misuse of power, and the growing gap between leaders and ordinary citizens.
By highlighting the sharp contrast between the experiences of rulers and the ruled, Adeboye sought to remind politicians that their positions are meant to serve the people, not to lord over them. He stressed that true leadership must reflect justice, compassion, and accountability.
The cleric’s sermon also served as a subtle admonition to voters, urging them to recognize their power and responsibility during elections. While politicians may beg or bribe for votes, Adeboye’s message implied that citizens must look beyond temporary inducements and focus on the long-term consequences of their electoral choices.
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I Don’t Have Much Time Left, No One Will See My Body – Prophet Odumeje Predicts His Own Death
Leader of Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Chukwuemeka Cyril Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has made some predictions about his death.
Naija News reports that during a recent church service, Odumeje revealed that his time on earth is limited and predicted that no one would see his corpse when he dies.
The father of five described himself as one of the strongest spiritual men in the world, second to the late TB Joshua.
He claimed that his purpose is not about living long but fulfilling a divine mission.
The controversial cleric explained that his ministry exists to remove doubts about Jesus Christ, stressing that his message centres on the belief in one God and the power of Jesus.
“I am the strongest spirtual man in the world, after the general ‘Emmanuel’ TB Joshua. We are not many, we are just two. One has done the job and has returned home, remaining the Lion Himself. The dead man. I don’t have much time to spend here. Nobody will see my corpse.
“Our mission is to clear your doubt about Jesus Christ. Our mission is one God and one power, and that man is Jesus Christ,” he said.
Source: Naija News
A growing number of religious leaders across Africa have accumulated substantial fortunes, igniting a fervent debate about the complex relationship between faith and finance.
These pastors have established vast empires that extend well beyond their roles in the pulpit, diversifying their ventures into various fields such as media, real estate, education, and publishing, among others.
Based on available public estimates and various media reports, here is a list of the top eight richest pastors in Africa:
Their supporters often point to divine favor and impressive entrepreneurial skills as the sources of their wealth, believing that their success reflects God’s blessings.
On the other hand, critics contend that a significant portion of this wealth is derived from the tithes, offerings, and donations generously contributed by their devoted congregations.
Recent estimates underscore the prominence of some of the most influential and affluent pastors on the continent, particularly those hailing from Nigeria and other countries with robust Pentecostal movements.
However, these financial figures are largely speculative, as most churches and ministries choose not to make detailed financial records publicly available.
Based on available public estimates and various media reports, here is a list of the top eight richest pastors in Africa:
1. David Oyedepo (Nigeria)
Topping the list is Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel. With an estimated net worth in the hundreds of millions, his wealth is derived from his vast church network, which includes a publishing house, two universities (Covenant University and Landmark University), and an extensive real estate portfolio. He is known for his private jet collection and extravagant lifestyle.
2. Enoch Adeboye (Nigeria)
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, is a highly respected and influential figure. His ministry’s global reach, spanning over 190 countries, has contributed to an estimated net worth that positions him among the wealthiest. The RCCG has diversified its holdings into education, media, and various social enterprises.
3. Shepherd Bushiri (Malawi/South Africa)
Known as “Major 1” to his followers, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri is a Malawian preacher and businessman. His wealth, estimated to be over $100 million, comes from a range of businesses, including mining, an airline, and a telecommunications company, in addition to his church, the Enlightened Christian Gathering.
4. Chris Oyakhilome (Nigeria)
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy. His wealth, estimated at tens of millions, is driven by his global ministry, which includes satellite television channels, music productions, and publishing ventures.
5. Alph Lukau (South Africa)
Pastor Alph Lukau is the founder and general overseer of Alleluia Ministries International. While born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he is based in South Africa and is known for his controversial “resurrection” claims and lavish lifestyle, which contribute to his substantial estimated net worth.
6. Uebert Angel (Zimbabwe/UK)
Prophet Uebert Angel, founder of the Spirit Embassy (Good News Church), has accumulated wealth from his church and various business interests. He is a prominent figure in the prosperity gospel movement and his opulent lifestyle is frequently featured in media.
7. Matthew Ashimolowo (Nigeria/UK)
Based in London, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo is the founder of the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), one of the largest Pentecostal churches in the United Kingdom. His wealth is attributed to his ministry, media enterprise, and real estate investments.
8. Ayo Oritsejafor (Nigeria)
Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor is the founder of Word of Life Bible Church. He is a former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and his wealth is tied to his church and various business interests.
The significant wealth of these religious figures continues to be a subject of intense debate across the continent, raising questions about accountability, charity, and the role of religious institutions in a society grappling with poverty.
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