By Tomike Wahab
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of Nigeria’s Labour Party, joined global dignitaries at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to pay his final respects to the late Pope Francis. The solemn lying-in-state ceremony marked the beginning of a series of events leading to the Pope’s funeral on Saturday, April 26.
Obi, a Papal Knight, was present alongside 93-year-old Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze at the ceremony. In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi expressed his sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, whom he described as a “moral light in a world darkened by inequality and indifference.” He praised the late Pontiff for his embodiment of humility, simplicity, and selfless service.
Reflecting on his personal encounters with Pope Francis, Obi shared that he had met the Pope three times, with each meeting leaving a lasting impression. He recalled the Pope’s radiance of peace and inspiration of faith, highlighting his infectious humility and deeply human vision. Obi also mentioned his membership in Scholars Occultantes, an international circle of thinkers founded by Pope Francis, which deepened his appreciation for the Pope’s teachings on truth, ethical leadership, and social transformation.
In his message, Obi urged political, religious, and community leaders, especially across Africa, to reflect on Pope Francis’s life and commit to the values he upheld: justice, peace, and human dignity. He emphasized that this moment should not only be one of mourning but also a call to lead with conscience, walk with the people, and govern with love.
The funeral mass for Pope Francis is scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, with his body lying in state from April 23. World leaders and dignitaries, including US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and Argentina’s Javier Milei, are expected to attend the funeral.
