Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, was seen at a solemn lying-in-state ceremony held in honour of the late Pope Francis in Rome.
Pope Francis, aged 88, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21.
According to the Vatican, funeral services commenced shortly after, with global dignitaries attending to honour the legacy of the influential Catholic leader.
Obi, currently in Rome, joined Cardinal Francis Arinze and other prominent figures at St. Peter’s Basilica to pay his final respects to the late Pontiff.
Sharing his reflections, Obi stated, “Today, I joined Francis Cardinal Arinze, global dignitaries, and thousands of mourners at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, to pay my final respects to His Holiness, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.”
“The solemn lying-in-state ceremony was a moment of deep reflection, as the world bids farewell to a man who embodied humility, simplicity, and selfless service,” he continued.
Describing Pope Francis as a figure beyond ecclesiastical leadership, Obi remarked, “Pope Francis was more than a pontiff; as he was also a moral light in a world darkened by inequality and indifference.
His life was a testament to leadership as a sacred duty, one rooted in compassion, truth, and service to the poor and marginalised.
He lived for others, spoke for the voiceless, and reminded us all that leadership must be about lifting others, not self-exaltation.”
Obi also recalled his personal connection to the Pope through a prestigious intellectual fellowship.
“I came to truly appreciate what he stood for after my appointment as a member of Scholars Occultantes—an international circle of thinkers he founded during his time as Archbishop.”
“The organisation, dedicated to truth, ethical leadership, and social transformation, gave me a deeper insight into the intellectual and moral force behind his teachings.”
Reflecting on his encounters with the late Pontiff, Obi shared, “I was blessed to meet Pope Francis on three occasions, with each encounter left a lasting impression on me.”
“He said that the late pontiff radiated peace and inspired faith, and his presence was a quiet yet powerful reminder of the divine responsibility that leadership entails, apart that his humility was infectious and his vision deeply human.”
Concluding his tribute, Obi made a heartfelt appeal to African leaders: “As we mourn this great soul, I urge political, religious, and community leaders, especially across Africa, to reflect on his life and commit to the values he upheld: justice, peace, and human dignity.”
Let this moment not just be one of mourning, but a call to lead with conscience, walk with the people, and govern with love,” Obi said.
