Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has mourned the death of Pope Francis.
The former Anambra State governor, in a statement posted on his X page, said he received the news with profound sorrow.
He said the Pope’s death marks the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the wider world.
“Throughout his life and pontificate – during which I had the privilege of meeting him on three occasions – Pope Francis embodied the virtues of faith, hope, and compassion.
“He led with humility, spoke with wisdom, and acted with moral courage. He constantly strove to draw humanity closer to the ideals of peace, justice, and love. His deep concern for the poor, his steadfast advocacy for moral leadership, and his defence of human dignity earned him the admiration of people across all faiths and nations”, he said.
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Furthermore, the 63-year-old noted that, as a member of the Scholas Occurrentes Foundation founded by Francis, he appreciated the Pope’s belief in education, dialogue, and youth empowerment as essential tools for creating a more just and compassionate world.
Obi stated that Pops dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity, adding that his legacy would endure not only in the hearts of the faithful but also in the global conscience he helped shape with grace, clarity, and conviction.
“In an age marked by division and uncertainty, his voice remained a steady call to unity, mercy, and justice.
“On behalf of myself, my family and millions of Nigerians who found inspiration in his teachings and example, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the universal Church. May God, in His infinite mercy, grant eternal rest to his gentle soul and guide the Church he so lovingly shepherded.”
