Akpabio leads, as Nigeria sends delegation to Vatican for Pope Francis’ burial
Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a high-powered delegation to Vatican City to attend the burial of His Holiness, Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday, April 26.
According to a statement by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the delegation, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, comprises five distinguished members which includes Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji.
Others are President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN); Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese; and Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama of Abuja Diocese.
Pope Francis, the esteemed leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, just a day after participating in Easter Sunday celebrations at the Vatican.
The delegation’s primary purpose is to deliver a letter expressing President Tinubu’s condolences and sympathies to the Acting Head of the Vatican regarding the Pope’s passing.
On the day of mourning, President Tinubu joined Catholics and Christians worldwide in paying tribute to Pope Francis, honoring him as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.”
In his condolence message, President Tinubu noted that the Pope’s death, following the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, signifies a sacred return to his maker, embodying a moment of renewed hope for Christians around the globe.
Source: LEADERSHIP
