Iliyasu S. Yahaya
Senate President Godswill Akpabio will lead a five-member delegation to Vatican City to attend the burial of Pope Francis, the late head of the Roman Catholic Church, on April 26, 2025. The delegation, appointed by President Bola Tinubu, includes Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.
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.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, just a day after appearing for Easter Sunday celebrations at the Vatican.
President Tinubu had earlier mourned the death of Pope Francis, describing him as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions”.