From Idu Jude, Abuja
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and a Papal Knight, on Wednesday, joined global dignitaries, including 93-year-old Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to pay final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on 21 April.
Obi shared his reflections in an X post titled “Legacy of Light: What Pope Francis Taught the World”.
Obi 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.”
The politician described Pope Francis as a “moral light” whose leadership focused on compassion and service to the marginalised, stating, “He lived for others, spoke for the voiceless, and reminded us all that leadership must be about lifting others, not self-exaltation.”
Obi noted his involvement with Scholars Occultantes, a group founded by Pope Francis as Archbishop, which deepened his understanding of the Pope’s teachings on ethical leadership. He added, “I was blessed to meet Pope Francis on three occasions. Each encounter left a lasting impression. He radiated peace and inspired faith, and his presence was a quiet yet powerful reminder of the divine responsibility that leadership entails.”
Urging leaders to emulate Pope Francis’ values of justice and dignity, Obi concluded, “May Pope Francis’ soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy live on in all who seek to serve humanity selflessly.”