Senate President Godswill Akpabio is leading Nigeria’s official delegation to the funeral of Pope Francis, which is taking place today, Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Vatican City. The delegation was constituted by President Bola Tinubu to represent Nigeria at the burial rites of the late head of the Roman Catholic Church. Other members include the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese; and Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama of the Abuja Diocese .
The delegation arrived in Rome ahead of the funeral and paid their respects at the lying-in-state of Pope Francis inside St. Peter’s Basilica. In a statement, Akpabio noted that he paid tribute to the late pontiff on behalf of President Tinubu and the Nigerian people .
President Tinubu described Pope Francis as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.” The delegation is expected to formally deliver a letter conveying the President’s condolences to the Acting Head of the Vatican .
Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, just a day after leading Easter Sunday celebrations at St. Peter’s Basilica. His funeral has drawn world leaders and dignitaries from across the globe, with over 160 delegations, including 54 heads of state, confirmed to attend .
The burial is scheduled to take place at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where Pope Francis chose to be interred near an icon of the Virgin Mary that he often prayed before. The Vatican has extended the basilica’s opening hours to accommodate the large number of mourners paying their last respects .
