Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Wednesday joined thousands of mourners, global dignitaries, and clergy at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to pay his final respects to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88.
The solemn lying-in-state ceremony marked the beginning of official events leading up to the Pope’s funeral, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10am in St. Peter’s Square, according to the Holy See Press Office.
Obi, who shared the details of his visit in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, described the occasion as a moment of deep reflection and reverence. He paid heartfelt tribute to the Pope’s enduring legacy of humility, compassion, and advocacy for 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,” Obi wrote.
“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.”
Obi also shared personal memories of his interactions with Pope Francis, recounting how their encounters shaped his understanding of leadership and moral duty.
“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.”
“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.”
Calling for reflection among leaders, Obi urged political, religious, and community figures—especially across Africa—to embrace the core values the late Pope represented.
“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.”
“May Pope Francis’ soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy live on in all who seek to serve humanity selflessly,” he concluded.
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first Latin American Pope, will be remembered for a papacy marked by reform, simplicity, and a deep commitment to the downtrodden.
