Akpabio Heads Nigerian Delegation To Pope Francis’ Funeral

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation to the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City on Saturday. The delegation, sent by President Bola Tinubu, also includes the 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, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama. The delegation will deliver a letter of sympathy and condolences from President Tinubu to the Acting Head of the Vatican.

“On Monday, President Tinubu joined the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide to mourn the death of Pope Francis, who he described as ‘a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.’”

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, just a day after leading Easter Sunday celebrations at the Vatican. President Bola Tinubu expressed that the Pope’s death, occurring right after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, symbolizes a sacred return to his Maker and offers renewed hope to Christians worldwide.