Peter Obi, a prominent Nigerian politician and former Governor of Anambra State, has joined the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, who died on Resurrection Morning at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed the pontiff’s death earlier today, attributing it to complications from chronic lung disease and bilateral pneumonia, which had significantly impacted his health in recent months. Obi’s heartfelt tribute, shared on X at 10:01 UTC, has resonated widely, reflecting the profound influence Pope Francis had on leaders and individuals across the world.
In his moving post, Obi described Pope Francis as “a moral compass in a troubled world,” emphasizing the pontiff’s unwavering commitment to faith, hope, and compassion. “His death marks the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the wider world,” Obi wrote, noting that the Pope’s legacy would endure in the hearts of the faithful and the global conscience he helped shape. Obi, a member of the Labour Party and a devout Catholic, revealed that he had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis on three occasions, encounters that deeply influenced his own values and leadership philosophy.
Accompanying Obi’s tribute were images from these meetings, which took place in 2019, as verified by a 2022 fact-check by Dubawa. The photos, capturing warm moments between Obi and the Pope, were originally taken during discussions focused on advancing Nigeria’s education and sports sectors through the Pontifical Foundation Scholas Occurrentes—an initiative founded by Pope Francis to promote education, dialogue, and youth empowerment globally. One image shows Obi receiving an item from the Pope, while another captures them sharing a moment of laughter, surrounded by onlookers, with Obi wearing a badge that reads “Design for Nigeria.”
Obi’s connection to the Pope extended beyond personal meetings. As a member of Scholas Occurrentes, Obi praised the Pope’s vision for education and youth empowerment, describing them as “vital instruments for building a more just and compassionate world.” He highlighted Pope Francis’ deep concern for the poor, his advocacy for moral leadership, and his defense of human dignity—values that resonated with Obi’s own political and social initiatives in Nigeria. “In an age marked by division and uncertainty, his voice remained a steady call to unity, mercy, and justice,” Obi added.
The Nigerian politician also extended condolences on behalf of his family and millions of Nigerians who found inspiration in Pope Francis’ teachings. “May God, in His infinite mercy, grant eternal rest to his gentle soul and guide the Church he so lovingly shepherded,” Obi concluded, signing off with his initials, PO.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church since March 13, 2013. As the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit Pope, he brought a unique perspective to the papacy, emphasizing humility, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. His passing has elicited tributes from leaders worldwide, with many echoing Obi’s sentiments about the Pope’s role as a unifying moral voice.
In Nigeria, Obi’s tribute sparked a wave of responses on X, with supporters and citizens reflecting on both the Pope’s legacy and Obi’s global connections. One user, @BAisyourdaddy, noted, “Peter Obi has a picture with everyone. A true global icon who is recognised anywhere he goes.” Another, @savagekizz, shared a caption alongside one of Obi’s images with the Pope, writing, “I once knew of a humble president who met almost every influential person in the world yet didn’t spite the masses… What a time to be alive.” The outpouring of support underscores Obi’s stature as a respected figure in Nigeria, often lauded for his frugality and commitment to development, as well as his ability to forge meaningful international relationships.
As the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, his legacy of compassion and moral courage continues to inspire leaders like Peter Obi, who remain committed to carrying forward the values the pontiff championed throughout his life. The Catholic Church now faces the task of selecting a new leader, while the global community reflects on the indelible mark left by a Pope who sought to bridge divides and uplift the marginalized.
