A high-powered delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been sent to Vatican City to attend the burial of Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26. The delegation was constituted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally represent Nigeria at the funeral.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), in a statement, said the delegation will formally deliver a letter conveying President Tinubu’s sympathy and condolences on Pope Francis’ passing to the Acting Head of the Vatican. Onanuga noted that other members of the delegation include Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji; Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.

Pope Francis, the revered head of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 88. Onanuga said President Tinubu described Pope Francis as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.” Onanuga added that President Tinubu’s condolence message noted that Pope Francis’s death, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.

The delegation’s attendance at the funeral is a testament to Nigeria’s respect for the Catholic Church and its leadership. Onanuga said the letter conveying President Tinubu’s sympathy will be formally delivered to the Acting Head of the Vatican.