Tinubu sends top Nigerian delegation to Vatican for Pope Francis’ burial
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched a high-powered Nigerian delegation to Vatican City to represent the nation at the burial of His Holiness, Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday, April 26.
Leading the five-member delegation is Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Other distinguished members include the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese; and Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama of the Abuja Diocese.
Pope Francis, beloved by millions around the world, passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88—just a day after making a final public appearance during Easter Sunday celebrations.
The Nigerian delegation will present a formal letter from President Tinubu to the Acting Head of the Vatican, expressing deep condolences and solidarity with the global Catholic community.
On Monday, April 21, President Tinubu mourned alongside Catholics and Christians worldwide, calling Pope Francis “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions.”
In his tribute, the President noted the significance of the Pope’s passing just after Easter, describing it as “a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”
