Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential flag-bearer, joined the Catholic community and global leaders at the lying-in-state ceremony as part of events to bid farewell to the late Pope Francis.
88-year-old Pope Francis breathed his last on Easter Monday, marking the end of an era in the 266th papacy.
Subsequently, the Vatican announced that the deceased spiritual leader will be buried on Saturday, April 26, 2025, releasing a programme of events leading up to the date.
Meanwhile, Obi is currently on a condolence visit to Rome, alongside Francis Cardinal Arinze, one of the cardinal electors who will choose the new pope.
In a post on his X on Wednesday, Obi shared photos of himself at the funeral service, saying he chose to pay final respect to the late Pontiff.
He described the deceased as a moral light in a world darkened by inequality and indifference, extolling his leadership, commitment to truth, and service to the poor and marginalised.
“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; as he was also 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.“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.”
Obi blessed to meet Pope Francis
The Labour Party leader said that he was blessed to meet Pope Francis on three occasions, disclosing that each encounter left a lasting impression on him.
The former Anambra Governor noted that the late pontiff radiated peace and inspired faith, with a quiet yet powerful presence that reminds everyone of the divine responsibility that leadership entails.
Obi also eulogised the deceased’s infectious humility and his deeply human vision, urging African leaders to reflect on the Pope’s life and commit to the values he upheld.
“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,” he stated.
