Senate President Akpabio Leads Nigerian Delegation to Pope Francis’ Funeral
posted 25th April 2025
Senate President Akpabio Leads Nigerian Delegation to Pope Francis’ Funeral
Vatican City, 26 April 2025 – Senate President Godswill Akpabio is leading a distinguished Nigerian delegation to Vatican City for the funeral of His Holiness, Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday, 26 April. The announcement was made in a Statehouse press statement issued on Friday by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
The five-member delegation, appointed by President Tinubu, includes prominent figures such as Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese; and Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama of Abuja Diocese. The delegation is tasked with delivering a formal letter conveying President Tinubu’s condolences to the Acting Head of the Vatican, expressing Nigeria’s sympathies on the passing of the revered pontiff.
Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88, just one day after leading Easter Sunday celebrations at the Vatican. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from Catholics and Christians worldwide, with many reflecting on his legacy as a humble servant of God and a tireless advocate for the poor.
In a condolence message issued on Monday, President Tinubu described Pope Francis as “a guiding light for millions” and a “champion of the poor.” He noted the poignant timing of the Pope’s passing, stating, “His death, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, symbolises a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”
The Nigerian delegation’s presence at the funeral underscores the country’s respect for Pope Francis’ contributions to global peace, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. The group arrived in Vatican City on Friday, with Akpabio paying tribute on behalf of President Tinubu and the Nigerian people during the Lying-in-State at St Peter’s Basilica, according to posts on X.
The funeral, expected to draw leaders and representatives from across the globe, will be a solemn occasion to honour Pope Francis’ remarkable life and service. Nigeria’s high-level representation reflects the deep spiritual and diplomatic ties between the nation and the Vatican.
