Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, joined global dignitaries, clergy, and thousands of mourners yesterday at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, to pay his final respects to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.
The solemn lying-in-state ceremony marked the beginning of official events leading to the Pontiff’s funeral, scheduled for Saturday, April 26. The Pope’s coffin will lie in state for three days, allowing the faithful and visitors from around the world to offer their final tributes.
According to the Vatican, the funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and concelebrated by clergy from across the globe. World leaders, cardinals, and pilgrims are expected to gather in large numbers to honour the late spiritual leader.
Describing the moment as one of profound reflection, Obi paid tribute to Pope Francis’s legacy of humility, service, and his steadfast advocacy for the poor and marginalised. He recalled personal encounters with the Pope and reflected on the lasting impression they had on his own understanding of leadership and moral responsibility.
Obi also referenced his participation in Scholars Occultantes, an international think tank founded by Pope Francis during his tenure as Archbishop, which focused on ethical leadership and truth-driven social transformation.
In his tribute, Obi urged political, religious, and community leaders across Africa to emulate the values Pope Francis championed—justice, peace, and the dignity of the human person.
