Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alongside other key Nigerian figures, has arrived in Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, set for Saturday. The Nigerian delegation, which was sent by President Bola Tinubu, is in Rome to represent Nigeria at the solemn rites for the late head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The delegation includes Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji; Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, it was confirmed that the delegation would present a letter of condolence to the Acting Head of the Vatican, expressing Nigeria’s sympathy for the passing of Pope Francis. Akpabio, in a post on Facebook, honored the late Pope, stating, “As the Leader of Nigeria’s delegation to the burial ceremony of Pope Francis, I paid tribute to our departed Pope, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people.”
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Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. President Tinubu described him as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.” The Pope’s death, following the Easter Sunday celebrations, marks a sacred return to his Maker, bringing renewed hope to Christians worldwide.
