Senate President Godswill Akpabio is heading Nigeria’s official delegation to Vatican City for the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has sent the delegation to pay respects to the late pontiff and convey the nation’s condolences.
The delegation, which includes high-ranking officials, consists of:
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, Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese
Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja Diocese
Upon their arrival at Vatican City, the delegation visited St. Peter’s Basilica, where they paid their respects at the lying-in-state of Pope Francis. In a statement shared on social media, Senator Akpabio expressed his thoughts, saying, “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 also tasked with formally delivering a letter of condolence from President Tinubu to the Acting Head of the Vatican. President Tinubu had earlier described Pope Francis as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions,” adding that his passing, which coincided with the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, symbolizes a sacred return to his Maker.
The funeral is expected to be attended by numerous global dignitaries, underscoring the profound influence Pope Francis had on both the Catholic Church and the broader world community.
