Photos: Peter Obi Joins Global Leaders at Pope Francis’ Lying in State

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, joined world leaders and mourners at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Wednesday to pay his final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. Obi, a Papal Knight and former governor of Anambra State, attended the solemn lying-in-state ceremony alongside 93-year-old Nigerian Cardinal, Francis Arinze.

In a tribute shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle titled “Legacy of Light: What Pope Francis Taught the World,” Obi reflected on the late pontiff’s enduring impact. Describing the occasion as a moment of deep reflection, Obi praised Pope Francis as a global symbol of humility, simplicity, and service to humanity.

“Pope Francis was more than a Pontiff; he was a moral light in a world darkened by inequality and indifference,” Obi wrote. He recalled his personal connection to the late Pope through his involvement in Scholars Occultantes, an international circle of thinkers founded by Francis during his tenure as Archbishop. The organisation, which focuses on ethical leadership and social transformation, offered Obi deeper insight into the intellectual and moral depth of the Pope’s teachings.

Obi recounted three personal encounters with Pope Francis, noting that each meeting left a lasting impression on him. “He radiated peace and inspired faith. His humility was infectious, and his vision deeply human,” he wrote.

Calling on political, religious, and community leaders, especially across Africa, Obi urged reflection on the Pope’s values and a renewed commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity. He concluded his tribute with a prayer for Pope Francis’ soul and a call to leadership grounded in conscience and compassion.

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