Live Updates: Pope Francis Funeral Latest as Akpabio Leads Nigeria’s Delegation

Live Updates: Pope Francis Funeral Latest as Akpabio Leads Nigeria’s Delegation

Rome, Italy - Mourners are paying their respects to the late Pope Francis for the final time as the deceased pontiff lies in state at St Peter’s Basilica ahead of his funeral.

Legit.ng reports that over 100 delegations are on their way to Rome to pay respects to the late leader of the Catholic Church, who will be laid to rest in the Italian capital on Saturday, April 26.

Pope Francis funeral live update 2025
Pope Francis, who died on Monday morning, April 21, at the age of 88, will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, in Rome, Italy. Photo credit: @RaymondArroyo
Source: Twitter

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Trump accused of disrespect at Pope Francis' burial

Donald Trump faces criticism for breaking the Vatican’s dress code at Pope Francis' funeral, wearing a blue suit instead of the required dark outfit.

Melania Trump’s attire, adhering to the dress code, received praise, in contrast to her husband's controversial outfit choice.

The debate around dress codes at high-profile events, like state funerals, raises concerns about diplomacy, respect, and symbolism.

Summary of Pope Francis' burial

Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88, was buried on Saturday, April 26.

Below is a video summarising the burial procession at the Vatican:

Photos: Coffin of Pope Francis arrives for burial at Rome basilica

Pope Francis' coffin had arrived at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome for its final burial on Saturday, April 26.

This came after the funeral service which was first held at the Vatican.

See the pictures here:

Pope Coffin leaves Vatican

The Coffin of the late Pope Francis has left the Vatican on a white popemobile after his funeral which was held at the St Peter's Square on Saturday, April 26.

The possession, which was monitored by Legit.ng from Vatican TV, had thousands of people lined on the streets along the route as the coffin was driven in Rome to its final resting place at the Santa Maria Maggiore balisica.

Donald Trump arrives at Pope Francis' funeral

United States President Donald Trump has arrived at the funeral session of the late Pope Francis.

Pope Francis died at the age of 88.

See video of Donald Trump's arrival here:

Moment Pope Francis' coffin brought to St Peter's Square

The coffin of Pope Francis has been brought to St Peter's Square as the funeral begins.

World leaders have gathered at the Vatican for the burial of the Catholic Church leader.

See the video of the moment here:

Solemn Requiem Mass Begins for Pope Francis

The Catholic Church across the world has gathered to commence the burial of Pope Francis.

This is as they gathered at the Vatican and commenced the Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope Francis.

See the requiem here:

Nigeria's Akpabio arrives Rome to honour Pope Francis

The Senate President Godswill Akpabio is currently in Vatican City, leading Nigeria’s delegation to attend the funeral of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

The pictures can be viewed below:

Prince William to attend the funeral of Pope Francis

Kensington Palace confirmed that Prince William will represent the UK’s royal family in Rome.

In a statement, King Charles said Pope Francis would be remembered for his compassion.

He said:

“Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many."

Huge crowds pack Vatican ahead of Pope's funeral

Huge crowds of mourners have filed through St Peter's Basilica as the Vatican makes final preparations for Pope Francis' funeral.

Security is tight with many of the 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs attending Saturday's ceremony expected to arrive on Friday, April 25, in Rome.

Akpabio to lead Nigerian delegation to Pope Francis' burial

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a high-powered delegation to Vatican City to attend the burial of Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is at the head of the five-member delegation.

Other members of the delegation are the minister of state, foreign affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama.

Authors:
Bada Yusuf avatar

Bada Yusuf (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Yusuf Amoo Bada is an accomplished writer with over 5 years of experience in journalism and writing, he is also politics and current affairs editor with Legit.ng. He holds B.A in Literature from OAU, and Diploma in Mass Comm. He has obtained certificates in Google's Advance Digital Reporting, News Lab workshop. He previously worked as an Editor with OperaNews. Best Editor of the Year for Politics and Current Affairs Desk (2023) by Legit.ng. Contact: bada.yusuf.amoo@corp.legit.ng

Ridwan Adeola avatar

Ridwan Adeola (Current Affairs Editor) Ridwan Adeola Yusuf is a content creator with more than nine years of experience, He is also a Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State (2014). Ridwan previously worked at Africa Check, contributing to fact-checking research works within the organisation. He is an active member of the Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI). In March 2024, Ridwan completed the full Google News Initiative Lab workshop and his effort was recognised with a Certificate of Completion. Email: ridwan.adeola@corp.legit.ng.