Senate President Akpabio Leads Federal Delegation to Pope Francis’ Funeral in Rome
ABUJA, Nigeria – April 27, 2025
Senate President Godswill Akpabio led a high-level federal government delegation to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025, joining world leaders and dignitaries in honoring the late pontiff’s legacy of compassion and reform.
Delegation Details
- Composition: The delegation included federal lawmakers, religious leaders, and diplomatic officials, reflecting Nigeria’s solidarity with global Catholic mourners.
- Objective: To pay respects to the pope, who championed interfaith dialogue, social justice, and care for migrants-themes central to Nigeria’s diverse society.
Funeral Highlights
- Ceremony: Over 250,000 mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Requiem Mass, presided by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who praised Francis’ “deep human compassion” and commitment to the marginalized.
- Procession: Pope Francis’ coffin was transported in a popemobile-turned-hearse to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he was buried in a modest tomb marked “Franciscus”.
- Global Attendance: Leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni attended.
Nigeria’s Connection
- Papal Visits: Pope Francis never visited Nigeria but maintained close ties with Nigerian bishops, advocating for peace amid sectarian violence.
- Message Alignment: Akpabio emphasized Nigeria’s shared values with the pope’s vision, stating:“His Holiness’ teachings on unity and service resonate deeply in our nation’s quest for harmony.”
Post-Funeral Context
- Conclave Preparations: Cardinals, including Nigeria’s Cardinal Peter Turkson (if eligible), will soon convene to elect a successor].
- Legacy: Mourners globally hailed Francis for reshaping the Church’s focus on inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and migrant rights.
