Victor EzejaPeter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, joined Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze, and other global dignitaries and thousands of mourners on Wednesday to pay final respect to the late head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome.
Obi, alongside the 93-year-old Nigerian Cardinal and other faithful across the world, witnessed the solemn lying-in-state ceremony on Wednesday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe 88-year-old Pontiff, who died on Monday, was transferred from the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning for the lying-in-state ceremony to enable the faithful to pay their final respect before his burial on Saturday.
In a statement via his X handle, Obi, who is a Papal Knight, said: “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.”
The former Governor of Anambra State noted that Pope Francis was more than a Pontiff. He described him as “a moral light in a world darkened by inequality and indifference.”
He observed that the deceased Pope demonstrated that true leadership is a sacred duty 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 stated.
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“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.”
The Nigerian opposition political figure said he had the opportunity to meet with the Holy Father three times, and each encounter left a lasting impression on him.
“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,” Obi noted.
As the world mourns the late Pontiff, Obi urged political, religious, and community leaders, especially in 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, Obi prayed.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
