Akpabio Heads Nigeria’s Delegation to Pope’s Funeral

President Bola Tinubu has dispatched a high-powered five-member delegation to Vatican City to attend the burial of Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio will lead the team, which includes Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Diocese, and Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja Diocese.

Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 21 at 88, just a day after leading Easter Sunday celebrations at the Vatican.

The Nigerian delegation will present a condolence letter from President Tinubu to the Acting Head of the Vatican, expressing deep sympathies on the pontiff’s passing.

President Tinubu hailed Pope Francis as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.” He described the timing of the Pope’s death, coming after Easter celebrations, as “a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians”

The delegation’s visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with the Vatican, while paying respects to the late Pope’s legacy and contributions to global peace and interfaith dialogue.