POPE FRANCIS TAUGHT THE WORLD LEGACY OF LIGHT - PETER OBI IN VATICAN

By Ukpai Ezera, Lagos, Nigeria

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April 23, 2025, 1:47 p.m.

POPE FRANCIS TAUGHT THE WORLD LEGACY OF LIGHT - PETER OBI IN VATICAN

Former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has joined Roman Catholics in the Vatican City, Rome, in mourning late Pope Francis. Peter Obi disclosed in a statement on his social media handles that "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." Obi who stood by the side of Nigerian-born Cardinal Francis Arinze, noted that the solemn lying-in-state ceremony was a moment of deep reflection, as the world bids farewell to a man whom he said embodied humility, simplicity, and selfless service. "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 further noted that he came to truly appreciate what late Pope Francis stood for after his appointment as a member of Scholars Occultantes - an international circle of thinkers founded by the late Pontiff during his time as Archbishop. He said the organisation, which is 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 leader also noted that he 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." Peter Obi said that "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.:

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