Senate President Akpabio to Represent Nigeria at Pope Francis’ Funeral in Vatican

In a statement released on Friday, the Nigerian government announced that Senate President Godswill Akpabio will head a delegation to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City on Saturday. The delegation also includes Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.

The delegation’s mission is to deliver a letter of sympathy and condolences from President Bola Tinubu to the Acting Head of the Vatican following the Pope’s death.

President Tinubu, in his tribute on Monday, described Pope Francis as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.” He noted the Pope’s passing on April 21, 2025, at 88 years old, shortly after leading Easter celebrations, calling it “a sacred return to his Maker, offering renewed hope to Christians worldwide.”