In a heartfelt tribute that echoed across the disability rights community and beyond, renowned disability rights advocate and Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission, Mr. David Anyaele, has mourned the passing of Pope Francis, describing him as “the most influential person with disability in the world.”
Anyaele, who is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), said the pontiff’s life and ministry were a beacon of inspiration to millions of persons with disabilities across the globe. According to him, Pope Francis redefined what it meant to serve with dignity, compassion, and strength—despite physical limitations.
“I watched him yesterday with excitement on television as he pronounced ‘Happy Easter’ to the congregation at St. Peter’s Square. It never crossed my mind that it would be one of the last times I would see him alive,” Anyaele lamented. “He was a living testimony to the world that disability is not a limitation to purpose, leadership, or service to God and humanity.”
An Icon of Inclusion and Accessibility
Reflecting on the pope’s widespread travels, often conducted in a wheelchair, Anyaele noted that Pope Francis’ commitment to continuing his pastoral and global duties despite his mobility challenges helped spotlight the need for accessibility across all sectors.
“Everywhere he went, his presence compelled his hosts to create accessible pathways—not just for him, but by extension, for all persons with disabilities. He was a symbol of inclusive leadership, a visible reminder that the world must be designed for everyone,” he said.
Pope Francis’ reliance on a wheelchair in recent years was not just a necessity, but a powerful act of representation. Through his visibility, he elevated the conversation about the rights, dignity, and capabilities of persons with disabilities in both religious and secular spaces.
A True Representative of the Marginalized
Anyaele commended Pope Francis not only for his spiritual leadership but for his unwavering advocacy for the marginalized, the poor, the displaced, and particularly persons with disabilities. “He was not just a pope for Catholics—he was a representative of the world’s vulnerable and often forgotten. In his homilies, his prayers, his actions, he constantly reminded us that every life has value and that no one should be left behind.”
He added, “He served the Lord with all his might, never allowing his physical condition to limit the work of God in his life. That, to me, is the highest form of resilience and devotion.”
A Reminder That Disability Knows No Boundaries
In a sobering reflection, Anyaele pointed out that the life of Pope Francis was a reminder that disability is a reality that can affect anyone, regardless of status, position, or background.
“Disability does not discriminate. It can affect the mighty and the lowly alike. Pope Francis showed us that acquiring a disability is not the end of life—it’s a beginning of a new way to inspire, to serve, and to lead.”
A Call to World Leaders: Emulate His Humility and Compassion
Anyaele urged world leaders to draw lessons from the Pope’s humility and commitment to humanity. “If more leaders showed just half the compassion and humility that Pope Francis did, the world would be a much better place for people with disabilities. He didn’t preach inclusion—he practiced it.”
He called for more inclusive policies, barrier-free infrastructures, and a cultural shift in how persons with disabilities are perceived and treated globally.
A Deep Personal Loss and a Global Mourning
Extending his condolences to the global Catholic community and all persons with disabilities, Anyaele said, “We have lost a rare gem. I extend my deepest sympathies to millions of Catholics around the world and to everyone whose life was touched by Pope Francis’ example. I will personally miss him—he was a role model, a light in dark places, and a man whose legacy will live on in the hearts of many.”
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, his legacy as a spiritual giant, a compassionate leader, and a global ambassador for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities will undoubtedly endure. In his footsteps, many will find courage, faith, and a renewed purpose to build a more inclusive world.
