OBI MOURNS POPE FRANCIS

Former governor of Anambra State and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has urged political, religious, and community leaders, especially across Africa, to reflect on the life of Late Pope Francis and commit to the values.

Obi stated this in a statement on his verified social media handles, following his arrival at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome to pay his final respect to the late Pontiff. He described the atmosphere at the lying in state ceremony as a moment of deep reflection.

“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.”

According to Obi, who was appointed as a member of Scholars Occultantes – an international circle of thinkers the Pope founded during his time as Archbishop, the Pope was more than a Pontiff but a moral light.

“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. He lived for others, spoke for the voiceless, and reminded us all that leadership must be about lifting others, not self-exaltation.”

The former Anambra State governor who met the Pope three times reflected the impression each meeting left on him.

“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.”

“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.”