Peter Obi Joins World Leaders at Pope Francis’ Lying-in-State in Vatican
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Wednesday, joined global dignitaries at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, to pay his final respects to the late Pope Francis.
Obi, a Papal Knight and former governor of Anambra State, was in attendance alongside 93-year-old Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze at the solemn lying-in-state ceremony.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle titled “Legacy of Light: What Pope Francis Taught the World”, Obi described the late Pontiff as a beacon of humility, compassion, and service to humanity.
He recalled his encounters with Pope Francis and his membership in Scholars Occultantes, an intellectual circle the Pope founded as Archbishop, which deepened his appreciation of the Pope’s moral and ethical values.
Obi urged African leaders to emulate the Pope’s legacy by embracing justice, peace, and selfless leadership, adding, “Let this moment not just be one of mourning, but a call to lead with conscience, walk with the people, and govern with love.”
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025.
