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CIVIL SOCIETY GROUP COMMENDS SENATOR AKPABIO FOR LEADING DELEGATION TO LATE POPE’S BURIAL

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity, and Justice has commended Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for successfully leading the Federal Government delegation to the burial of the late Pope. In a statement, National Coordinator Comrade James Okoronkwo said this gesture demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and respect for diverse religious traditions. Comrade Okoronkwo noted that Senator Akpabio’s leadership in this regard reflects positively on Nigeria’s international reputation and diplomatic relations. “This gesture demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and respect for diverse religious traditions,” Okoronkwo said. He also highlighted Nigeria’s historical relationship with the Vatican, which dates back to the country’s independence in 1960. The civil society group appreciates Senator Akpabio’s dedication to promoting Nigeria’s interests and values on the global stage. Okoronkwo emphasized that the Vatican’s influence in Nigeria is evident through institutions like the Catholic Church, which operates numerous schools, hospitals, and humanitarian organizations across the country. “These initiatives have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s socio-economic development,” Okoronkwo added. The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity, and Justice believes that Senator Akpabio’s actions have strengthened Nigeria’s relations with the Vatican. Okoronkwo commended the Senate President for his efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO LEADS NIGERIA’S DELEGATION TO POPE FRANCIS’ FUNERAL

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.

PETER OBI PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE POPE FRANCIS AT THE VATICAN

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi paid tribute to the late Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome, where thousands of Catholic faithful gathered to bid farewell to the pontiff. Obi was joined by Cardinal Francis Arinze at the solemn lying-in-state ceremony. In a statement, Obi described Pope Francis as “a moral light in a world darkened by inequality and indifference.” He added, “His life was a testament to leadership as a sacred duty, one rooted in compassion, truth, and service to the poor and marginalized.” Obi revealed that he had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis on three occasions, each leaving a lasting impression. “He radiated peace and inspired faith, and his presence was a quiet yet powerful reminder of the divine responsibility that leadership entails,” Obi said. The former governor of Anambra State also shared his experience as a member of Scholars Occultantes, an international circle of thinkers founded by Pope Francis. “The organisation, dedicated to truth, ethical leadership, and social transformation, gave me a deeper insight into the intellectual and moral force behind his teachings,” Obi explained. Obi urged leaders to reflect on Pope Francis’ life and commit to the values he upheld. “Let this moment not just be one of mourning, but a call to lead with conscience, walk with the people, and govern with love,” he said. “May Pope Francis’ soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy live on in all who seek to serve humanity selflessly.”

POPE FRANCIS’ FUNERAL SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY AS WORLD LEADERS PREPARE TO PAY RESPECTS

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. eastern) at St. Peter’s Basilica. The coffin carrying the late pope will be brought in a procession on Wednesday morning, accompanied by cardinals, to the basilica from his residence at Casa Santa Marta, where he died. The Vatican released the first photos and video of Francis since his death, showing him in a wooden coffin wearing a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary intertwined in his hands. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the interim administrator of the Vatican, will preside over the procession and the ritual transfer of the pope’s body to St. Peter’s Basilica. The funeral Mass will be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re. The papal funeral is broken down into three separate phases: the preparation of the body, the viewing of the body, and then the burial. The funeral will draw “Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe,” as well as a number of world leaders and dignitaries. President Trump and first lady Melania, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and French President Emmanuel Macron are among those who will attend. Other confirmed attendees include Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and Prince William, representing King Charles III. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin will not attend the funeral due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over war crimes allegedly committed during his country’s invasion of Ukraine. Brazil’s President Luis Inacio da Silva, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and President Javier Milei of Argentina are also expected to attend. After the funeral Mass, Pope Francis’ coffin will be taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, where he will be entombed. The Cardinal Electors will gather at the Vatican in about 15 to 20 days to choose the next pope in a papal conclave.

POPE FRANCIS PASSES AWAY AT 88, LEFT INSTRUCTION FOR SIMPLE BURIAL. INDIA DECLARES 3-DAY MOURNING

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff to lead the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, after a prolonged illness. According to the Vatican, he suffered a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the head of the Vatican’s health department, revealed that Francis also suffered from respiratory issues, bilateral pneumonia, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. He died on Monday at 7:35 a.m. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis became the head of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, after taking over from Pope Benedict XVI. Throughout his 12-year papacy, he was known for his humility, emphasis on God’s mercy, and commitment to social justice. In his spiritual testament, dated June 29, 2022, Pope Francis revealed his wishes for a simple burial in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, with only the inscription “Franciscus.” He stated, “The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.” The Ministry of Home Affairs in India has announced a three-day State Mourning to pay respect to the late Pope Francis. Celebrities from around the world have also paid tribute to him. Eva Longoria said, “Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized. Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered.” Whoopi Goldberg shared a photo from her 2023 meeting with Francis, calling him “the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and non-believer.” Russell Crowe simply wrote, “RIP Francis.” President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, saying, “He’s a very good man who loved the world. And he especially loved people that were having a hard time. And that’s good with me.” Trump is yet to confirm if he will attend Pope Francis’ funeral, stating, “I don’t know yet. We’re going to be briefed on it right now.” Despite previously being criticized by the Pope over his immigration policies, Trump expressed agreement with the pontiff’s message of tolerance.

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS POPE FRANCIS, CELEBRATES HIS LEGACY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, describing him as a “humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.” In a statement released by the Statehouse, Tinubu praised the late Pope’s dedication to serving the Church and humanity. “His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end,” Tinubu said. “He stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.” Tinubu highlighted Pope Francis’s role as an instrument of peace, who built bridges between faiths and advocated for the developing world. “He was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions,” he added. The President called on Nigerians to honour the late Pope’s legacy by lifting those who are down, healing communities, and defending human dignity. “Let us honour him not with words alone but with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person,” he said. On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, Tinubu extended condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful, praying that God grants the late Pontiff eternal rest. “May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest,” he concluded.

BREAKING: POPE FRANCIS PASSES AWAY AT 88, CARDINAL ANNOUNCES

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the passing, saying, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.” Farrell praised the late Pope, saying he “taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.” The Pope’s death comes just a day after he met with US Vice President JD Vance to exchange Easter greetings. During their meeting, Vance expressed gratitude for the Pope’s hospitality towards his family and noted the Pope’s improved health, saying, “I know you have not been feeling great but it’s good to see you in better health. Thank you for seeing me.” Pope Francis gifted Vance three big chocolate Easter eggs for his children, a Vatican tie, and rosaries. The meeting between Vance and Pope Francis was brief, lasting only a few minutes at the Domus Santa Marta, where the Pope resides. Vance’s office stated that the Vice President “expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis for inviting him to meet on Easter Sunday and for the hospitality the Vatican has extended to his family.” Notably, Pope Francis had delegated the celebration of Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square to another cardinal due to his health. In his statement, Cardinal Farrell commended the soul of Pope Francis to God’s merciful love, saying, “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.” Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was known for his humility, commitment to social justice, and dedication to interfaith dialogue during his tenure as the head of the Catholic Church.

POPE FRANCIS MAKES SURPRISE PUBLIC APPEARANCE AT VATICAN

Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance on Sunday, his first time in public since leaving the hospital two weeks ago. The 86-year-old pontiff greeted crowds at the Vatican and seemed to be in good spirits, despite still recovering from a recent illness. Francis was seated in a wheelchair and wearing a nasal cannula aiding his breathing. He appeared to be in better health than when he was last seen in public, struggling to speak and raise his arms. On Sunday, he was able to move his arms with more ease, and his voice was stronger. The pope’s appearance had not been previously announced, and crowds of worshippers gathered at St. Peter’s Square were surprised and delighted by his sudden appearance. When Francis was wheeled in, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. According to the Vatican, Francis had gone to confession in St. Peter’s Basilica earlier that morning and gathered strength before greeting the pilgrims and faithful in the square. Francis was hospitalized for 38 days with pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection, which posed a significant threat to his health. His doctors reported that there were two critical episodes where his life was in danger during his hospital stay. The pope’s prolonged hospital stay marked the biggest health crisis since his election as pope in 2013. His doctors had advised him to recuperate for at least two months to allow his body to fully heal.

POPE FRANCIS CONCELEBRATES MASS AT HOSPITAL CHAPEL AS HE CONTINUES RECOVERY

The Vatican has released the first photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization, showing him concelebrating Mass at the chapel in Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The photo shows Francis wearing a stole, a vestment worn to concelebrate Mass. The Vatican announced that Francis concelebrated Mass at the chapel, marking a significant step in his recovery. Concelebration means being among the priests presiding over the Mass, indicating that Francis has gone beyond just participating in Mass or receiving the Eucharist. The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling pneumonia at the hospital in Rome, in what is his longest stay since his election as pope 12 years ago. The Vatican said Francis continued with his treatments and therapies, worked, and did not have any visitors on Sunday. Earlier on Sunday, Francis thanked well-wishers for their prayers as he faces what he calls a “period of trial.” In the text of his weekly Angelus prayer, he said, “I thank you all for your prayers, and I thank those who assist me with such dedication.” Francis also expressed his gratitude to the children who gathered outside the hospital to show their support. “I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to ‘Gemelli’ as a sign of closeness. Thank you, dearest children! The Pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.” The Pontiff also prayed for peace, especially in countries affected by war. “Let us continue to pray for peace, especially in the countries wounded by war: tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.” The Vatican press office said the Pontiff remains in stable condition but still requires medical treatment. Despite his hospital stay, Francis has signaled his plans to remain in the post, approving a new three-year reform process for the Catholic Church.

POPE FRANCIS RESTING AFTER BREATHING CRISIS IN HOSPITAL

Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized in Rome for two weeks, experienced a brief but alarming breathing crisis on Friday, the Vatican has confirmed. The 88-year-old pontiff, who is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs, vomited during the episode, which caused a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition. Fortunately, the crisis was short-lived, and the pope spent a peaceful night, according to a Vatican statement. On Saturday, he was resting and had eaten breakfast, including a cup of coffee. The Vatican has been providing regular updates on the pope’s health, and while this latest development is concerning, officials say his condition is no longer considered critical. Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14, initially for bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia. The pope’s age and underlying health conditions, including a chronic respiratory disease, make his recovery more challenging. However, he has shown slight improvements in recent days, and his doctors are monitoring his progress closely. Despite his health issues, Pope Francis has remained active, working from his hospital suite and participating in breathing exercises. His hospitalization has not stopped him from carrying out his duties, and he has continued to receive visitors and perform his papal duties.

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