The Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, on Wednesday joined global dignitaries at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to pay his final respects to the late Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis.
Obi, a Papal Knight and former Governor of Anambra State, was present alongside 93-year-old Nigerian Cardinal, Francis Arinze, at the solemn lying-in-state ceremony.
The politician shared his experience via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, titled: “Legacy of Light: What Pope Francis Taught the World.”
He wrote: “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.
“Pope Francis was more than a Pontiff; he was 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.
“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.
“I was blessed to meet Pope Francis on three occasions. Each encounter left a lasting impression. He radiated peace and inspired faith. His humility was infectious, and his vision deeply human.
“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.
“May Pope Francis’ soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy live on in all who seek to serve humanity selflessly.”
