Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, is heading a prominent Nigerian delegation to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, in Vatican City on Saturday.
This was confirmed by a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, released on Friday.
The five-member delegation, which was sent by President Tinubu, 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’s mission is to convey President Tinubu’s condolences on the death of Pope Francis to the Acting Head of the Vatican.
The statement noted, “The delegation will formally deliver a letter conveying President Tinubu’s sympathy and condolences on Pope Francis’ passing to the Acting Head of the Vatican.”
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, had led Easter Sunday celebrations just a day prior. President Tinubu expressed his sorrow on Monday, mourning the loss of a “humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.”
The President also reflected on the Pope’s death occurring so soon after Easter, calling it a “sacred return to his Maker,” offering renewed hope to Christians around the world.
The Nigerian delegation’s attendance at the funeral underscores the deep respect and solidarity Nigeria shares with the Vatican and the global Catholic community during this moment of loss.
