Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other members of Nigeria’s official delegation have arrived at Vatican City ahead of Pope Francis's funeral. Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
Akpabio is leading a five-member delegation appointed by President Bola Tinubu to represent Nigeria at the burial ceremonies of the revered head of the Roman Catholic Church.
On Friday, while paying his respects at the lying-in-state of Pope Francis inside St. Peter’s Basilica, Akpabio shared photos and a tribute via his official Facebook page:
"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."
Other members of the delegation include:
- Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (Minister of State for Foreign Affairs)
- Archbishop Lucius Ugorji (President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria)
- Bishop Matthew Kukah (Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese)
- Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama (Archbishop of Abuja Diocese)
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Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the delegation’s composition, stating they would also deliver a formal condolence letter from President Tinubu to the Acting Head of the Vatican.
Pope Francis’ Death and Legacy
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. at his Santa Marta residence following a cerebral stroke that led to coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
His death certificate, signed by Professor Andrea Arcangeli, also cited underlying health issues including arterial hypertension, multiple bronchiectases, and Type 2 diabetes.
Just weeks before his passing, Pope Francis had been discharged from the hospital after battling double pneumonia.
The late pontiff, the first Jesuit pope in history, is widely remembered for his compassion for the poor, his push for interfaith dialogue, and his progressive stances on global issues like climate change, inequality, and peace.
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In his condolence message, President Tinubu described Pope Francis as:
"A humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions."
Tinubu noted that the timing of Pope Francis' death, coming shortly after Easter, symbolized a "sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians."
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