Senate President Godswill Akpabio and members of Nigeria’s official delegation arrived in Vatican City ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis scheduled for today.
Akpabio heads the five-member team appointed by President Bola Tinubu to represent Nigeria at the burial rites of the late pontiff. On Friday, the Senate President visited St Peter’s Basilica for the lying-in-state and paid tribute on behalf of President Tinubu and the Nigerian people. He shared photos and a message via Facebook, expressing Nigeria’s deep respect for the late Pope.
The delegation includes Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji; Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama; and Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirms that the delegation will present a formal condolence letter to the Acting Head of the Vatican.
President Tinubu earlier joined global leaders in mourning Pope Francis, describing him as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the p++r, and a guiding light for millions.” He notes the Pope’s passing, just after Easter, as “a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope.”
Pope Francis d+ed on Monday, April 21, 2025, at age 88, following a stroke that led to coma and cardiac coll+pse. The Vatican confirms he passed peacefully at his Santa Marta residence. His d+ath certificate cites additional health issues including hypertension, multiple bronchiectasis, and Type 2 diabetes.
The Pope had recently been discharged from hospital after battling double pneumonia.
