Senate President Godswill Akpabio is heading a high level Nigerian delegation to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, in Vatican City on Saturday.
The delegation, sent by President Bola Tinubu, includes; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.
A statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the delegation’s mission. They are tasked with delivering a letter of sympathy and condolences from President Tinubu to the Acting Head of the Vatican.
In his tribute, President Tinubu described Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, as a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions. He added that the Pope’s death, following Easter Sunday celebrations, symbolizes a sacred return to his Maker and offers renewed hope to Christians worldwide.
