Akpabio Arrives Vatican With Nigeria’s Delegation for Pope Francis’ Funeral

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A high-level Nigerian delegation, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has arrived in Vatican City ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2025.

The five-member delegation, constituted by President Bola Tinubu, includes the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji; the Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah; and the Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama.

Akpabio, who paid respects at the lying-in-state of the late pontiff inside St. Peter’s Basilica, shared a tribute on his official Facebook page, 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.”

The delegation is expected to deliver a formal condolence letter from President Tinubu to the Acting Head of the Vatican, according to a statement by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu had earlier expressed deep sorrow over the Pope’s passing, describing him as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.”

The President noted that the Pope’s death, occurring shortly after Easter, symbolized “a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pontiff and one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the 21st century, passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that he died at 7:35 a.m. in his residence at Santa Marta following a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”

His death certificate, signed by Professor Andrea Arcangeli, Director of Health of the Vatican City State, revealed previously undisclosed health issues, including arterial hypertension, multiple bronchiectasis, and Type 2 diabetes. The late Pope had been hospitalized weeks earlier for double pneumonia before his eventual passing.
Pope Francis will be remembered for his unwavering advocacy for the poor, interfaith dialogue, and progressive stances on global issues. His funeral on Saturday is expected to draw world leaders, dignitaries, and millions of mourners from across the globe.

Nigeria’s delegation stands in solidarity with the global Catholic community as they bid farewell to a spiritual leader whose impact transcended borders.