Senate President Akpabio Leads Nigerian Delegation to Vatican for Pope Francis' Funeral, Pays Tribute on Behalf of President Tinubu

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has arrived in Vatican City alongside members of Nigeria’s official delegation to participate in the funeral rites of Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday. The high-level delegation was specially appointed by President Bola Tinubu to represent Nigeria at the solemn event honoring the late leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Akpabio is leading a distinguished five-member delegation, comprising senior Nigerian religious and diplomatic figures. Joining him are the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji; the Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah; and the Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.

Reflecting on the historic moment, Akpabio shared his sentiments via social media on Friday. "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 at the Lying-in-State of Pope Francis, inside St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City," he wrote.

The Nigerian delegation’s presence underscores the nation's solidarity with the global Catholic community during this profound period of mourning. It also highlights Nigeria’s respect for Pope Francis' extraordinary legacy — a pontificate marked by advocacy for peace, social justice, and interfaith dialogue across the world, including significant outreach to Africa.

Their participation at the Lying-in-State inside the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica reflects the deep ties between Nigeria and the Vatican, as well as the significant influence of the Catholic faith within Nigeria’s religious landscape.