Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, joined global dignitaries, religious leaders, and thousands of mourners in a solemn ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, to pay tribute to His Holiness, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.
Obi, on his official X account, described the late Pontiff as a beacon of moral clarity in a world often clouded by injustice and indifference.
While describing the moment as one of deep reflection, Obi paid tribute to the Pope’s life of humility, service, and unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalised.
“Pope Francis was more than a Pontiff; he was a moral light in a world darkened by inequality and indifference,”
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“His life was a testament to leadership as a sacred duty, rooted in compassion, truth, and service,”Obi said.
Reflecting on his personal encounters with the late Pope, Obi revealed that he had met him on three separate occasions, each leaving a profound impact on his outlook on leadership and service.
In addition, the former governor praised Pope Francis for his infectious humility and unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity.
He said, “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. His humility was infectious, his vision deeply human.
Obi also disclosed his involvement in Scholars Occultantes, an international circle of intellectuals founded by Pope Francis during his tenure as Archbishop. According to Obi, the organisation was devoted to ethical leadership, truth, and societal transformation, values he said the Pope championed throughout his life.
“As a member of this circle, I came to understand more deeply the intellectual and moral depth of Pope Francis’ teachings,” he noted.
However, Obi call on leaders across Africapolitical, religious, and traditional to emulate the Pope’s values and reorient their approach to governance.
“This should not be a time of mourning alone,” he stated. “It should be a clarion call for all who lead to reflect on the values of Pope Francis, servant leadership, love for humanity, and justice for all.”
The global Catholic community continues to mourn the loss of a leader who made history as the first Jesuit Pope and the first from Latin America. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina,
As tributes pour in from all corners of the world, Obi’s message stands as a poignant reminder of the Pope’s far-reaching influence, not only as a spiritual leader but as a moral compass in turbulent times.
“May Pope Francis’ soul rest in perfect peace,” Obi concluded. “And may his legacy live on in those who choose to serve humanity with sincerity and love.”
