Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other members of Nigeria’s official delegation have arrived in Vatican City ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday.

Akpabio is leading the five-member high-level delegation constituted by President Bola Tinubu to represent Nigeria at the burial rites of the late head of the Roman Catholic Church.

While paying respects at the lying-in-state of Pope Francis inside St Peter’s Basilica, Akpabio shared a tribute with photos via his official Facebook page on Friday.

“As the Leader of Nigeria’s delegation to the burial ceremony of Pope Francis, I paid tribute to our departed Pope on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people,” the Senate president wrote.

Other members of the delegation include the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji; Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama.

Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the composition of the delegation in a statement on Friday. He said the team would deliver a formal letter conveying President Tinubu’s condolences to the Acting Head of the Vatican.

Tinubu had earlier joined world leaders and the global Catholic community in mourning the revered pontiff, describing him as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions”.

In his condolence message, Tinubu said the Pope’s passing, coming shortly after Easter, symbolised “a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians”.

Pope Francis died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. According to the Vatican, the pontiff passed away at 7:35 a.m. in his residence at Santa Marta following a cerebral stroke that led to coma and “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”

His death certificate, signed by Professor Andrea Arcangeli, Director of Health of the Vatican City State, also revealed previously undisclosed health issues, including arterial hypertension, multiple bronchiectasis, and Type 2 diabetes.

Pope Francis had been discharged weeks earlier from the hospital after battling double pneumonia.

The late Pope Francis is the first Jesuit pontiff and one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the 21st century. He is remembered for his advocacy for the poor, interfaith dialogue, and progressive stances on global issues.