Senate President To Lead Nigeria's Delegation To Inauguration Of Pope Francis

SAN FRANCISCO, March 15, (THEWILL) - A Federal Government delegation headed by the Senate President, Senator David Mark, has been approved by President Goodluck Jonathan, to represent Nigeria at the formal installation of Pope Francis on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, a Presidency statement said.

Other members of the delegation are the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Prof. Viola Onwuliri and the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama.

The delegation also includes the Chaplain of the Presidential Villa Chapel, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. John Kennedy Opara.

In addition to attending the new Pope’s inauguration mass at the Vatican City, the delegation will also convey a congratulatory letter from President Jonathan to Pope Francis who was elected by the College of Cardinals on Wednesday, March 13, to succeed Pope Benedict XVI.